| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080201002 | Machining Template Based Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture Of An Aerospace Component - A CAD model of a component is designed by means of a CAD system that modifies the shape of the design of the component represented by the CAD model by means of templates held in a database of templates. The templates include machining data concerning the machining actions necessary to effect the alteration, represented by the template, of the shape of a work-piece. The CAD system outputs a computer model of the component comprising not only part geometry data concerning the shape of the component but also machining geometry data concerning the machining actions necessary for manufacturing from a work-piece a component having a shape in accordance with the outputted model of the component. This outputted computer model is then converted into an NC (numeric control) program by means of an NC program conversion module, by extracting NC code sequences from a database, the NC code sequences extracted corresponding to the templates of the UDF library used to design the shape of the CAD model. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080215174 | METHOD OF CORRECTING DIE MODEL DATA - A die is produced based on die model data. The produced die is corrected. The corrected die is three-dimensionally measured by a measuring tool to produce measured three-dimensional die data. A polygonal surface represented by the measured three-dimensional die data and a model surface represented by the die model data are compared with each other. The polygonal surface is brought into proximity to the model surface, and the absolute values of the distances between a plurality of pairs of measuring points on the polygonal surface and corresponding points on the model surface are calculated. The die model data are corrected based on the absolute values of the distances. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080228303 | DIRECT MANUFACTURE OF DENTAL AND MEDICAL DEVICES - A method of making a medical or dental part may comprise creating a first digital model, manufacturing an initial embodiment of the part based on the first digital model using a layered manufacturing process, creating a second digital model of the initial embodiment of the part, determining the difference between the second digital model and the first digital model, and machining the initial embodiment of the part to create a final embodiment of the part by removing an amount of material substantially representative of the difference. A computer readable medium for performing such method is also disclosed. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080234850 | MODEL BASED DEFINITION INSTALLATION AND ASSEMBLY DRAWING PROCESS - A software package defines installation and assembly requirements for a product through simplified representations of a 3D design model having a multiple of component parts which define the product in a data format different than that which created the 3D design model. Data created by the process replaces documentation supplied by traditional installation and assembly drawings. Documentation of the installations and assemblies is accomplished entirely electronically. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080243284 | ANATOMICALLY COMPLIANT AAA MODEL AND THE METHOD OF MANUFACTURE FOR IN VITRO SIMULATED DEVICE TESTING - The present invention is directed to the fabrication of a test apparatus and the test apparatus itself. The test apparatus is designed to be a component used in a durability/fatigue testing unit. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080269932 | DATA VISUALIZATION OF A DATACENTER - Methods and systems for data visualization in a datacenter are described herein. At least some illustrative embodiments comprise a method for monitoring a datacenter, comprising collecting a plurality of real-time data samples from a plurality of data sensors, generating a plurality of processed data values based at least in part on the plurality of real-time data samples, mapping each of the plurality of processed data values to one of a plurality of colors, and displaying the plurality of processed data values as regions of color on one or more two-dimensional (2-D) planes within a three-dimensional (3-D) space representing a datacenter. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269933 | METHOD FOR SURFACE-BASED MACHINING OF DECORATIVE ARTICLES - A method for surface-based machining of a decorative article is provided. The method includes retrieving a first graphical representation of the decorative article, and deriving a surface representation therefrom. The surface representation may have one or more segments. The method also includes deriving a tool path for each of the segments of the surface representation. By machining a workpiece in accordance with the tool paths, the decorative article is produced. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080281452 | Automatic Three-Dimensional Model Construction System - To efficiently construct a three-dimensional model. A product is divided into two parts of a head portion and a neck portion. A head form | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080300704 | Method and process for producing personalized ornamental bulbs - A method and system for producing a personal ornamental product and a custom 3D color or monochrome sculpture incorporated into the ornamental product as a keepsake ornament. The method includes the collecting three-dimensional data from one or more sensors, adjusting the 2½D or 3D data, merging the 2½D or 3D data to produce a 2½D or 3D model, rectifying the model, preparing the sculpture for building, combining the sculpture with a bulb, producing the product with a rapid prototype device, and finishing the product. The ornamental product may be composite, porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal, etc. and often takes the form of a Christmas Tree Ornament but also may be very large and designed for table top display or otherwise. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080312764 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXPLICIT REPRESENTATION OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES - A three dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of a composite part to include a plurality of plies is described. The model includes an explicit representation for each individual ply utilized to form the composite part, where each individual ply is created as one of a solid or tessellated volume. Each ply representation is in a proper spatial orientation with related component definitions. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090012640 | 3D object fabrication methods and systems - A 3D object fabrication method implemented in a fabrication system includes the following steps. A digital object model is retrieved. Sections of the digital object model are respectively printed on plural pieces of plane material. The pieces of plane material are combined to form a physical 3D object of the digital object model. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090018685 | Method for building three-dimensional objects with thin wall regions - A method for modifying a computer-aided design model of a three-dimensional object, the method comprising establishing a threshold wall width, providing at least one sliced layer polyline of the computer-aided design model, determining a first distance between first and second portions of the at least one sliced layer polyline, and adjusting locations of the first and second portion to provide a second distance if the first distance is less than the threshold wall width, where the second distance is about equal to the threshold wall width, or greater. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090037011 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR INCREASING EFFICIENCY IN RAPID PROTOTYPING PROCESSES - A system and methods for batch sorting objects and mapping the objects on a tray having a fixed dimension along an x-axis and a fixed dimension along a y-axis. Certain aspects of the present embodiments include (a) storing the objects in a queue; (b) sorting the objects in the queue according to a dimension of the objects; (c) mapping the objects sequentially into a first column of a plurality of columns on the tray until the first column is filled; (d) mapping the objects into a subsequent column until the subsequent column is filled; (e) repeating step (d) until only a last column in the plurality of columns remains to be filled, or until no more objects remain in the queue; and (f) mapping the objects into the last column in accordance with a column organization plan. In certain embodiments, at least one of the columns, and not necessarily the last column, includes objects mapped in accordance with a column organization plan. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090048699 | System and Method for Detecting a Geometry of a Workpiece - There is described a system and method for detecting a geometry of a workpiece for the purposes of processing the workpiece. In order to simplify optimization of a manufacturing strategy for processing a workpiece, the system has at least one camera for producing at least one image of the workpiece before a processing step, a memory area for desired geometry values the workpiece should have after the processing step, determination means for determining workpiece geometry values the workpiece has before the processing step on the basis of the at least one image, and calculating means for calculating differential geometry values describing a difference between the workpiece geometry values and the desired geometry values. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090118852 | Virtual manufacturing of transmission elements - A software structure which when adapted in an apparatus is capable of virtual manufacturing of transmission elements for example gear means with chip formation, the software structure comprising a start module for loading the source file in a main editor-file that contains the computer program, an input module for providing input parameters that are essential for the configuration of a product and a cutting tool, a product design module for evolving the parameters for the manufacturing of the product; and a virtual manufacturing module having at least three sub-modules one each for tool generation, visualisation of machining operation, and disassembly of the product from the machine bed. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090138113 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR HOME AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN - This patent application relates generally to systems, methods, and computer program products for home and/or landscape design. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090149977 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR SHAPING MEDICAL IMPLANTS DIRECTLY FROM VIRTUAL REALITY MODELS - A virtual interactive environment enables a surgeon or other medical professional to manipulate implants, prostheses, or other instruments using patient-specific data from virtual reality models. The patient data includes a combination of volumetric data, surface data, and fused images from various sources (e.g., CT, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, laser interferometry, PET, etc.). The patient data is visualized to permit a surgeon to manipulate a virtual image of the patient's anatomy, the implant, or both, until the implant is ideally positioned within the virtual model as the surgeon would position a physical implant in actual surgery. Thus, the interactive tools can simulate changes in an anatomical structure (e.g., bones or soft tissue), and their effects on the external, visual appearance of the patient. CAM software is executed to fabricate the implant, such that it is customized for the patient without having to modify the structures during surgery or to produce a better fit. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090157211 | PRODUCING A LOCALLY OPTIMAL PATH THROUGH A LATTICE BY OVERLAPPING SEARCH - A system and computer-implemented method for the creation of a structure using Lego building blocks is disclosed. Aspects of the methods are equally appropriate for numerous structures, including but not limited to, studs-up and studs-out configurations or a ‘wall’ style mosaic or a ‘floor’ style mosaic. Given the systems and methods disclosed, aspects of the invention are applicable to three-dimensional sculpture structures too. The system and method may use a recursive overlapping divide-and-conquer breadth-first search feature to improve the quality of the structures while only slightly, if at all, increasing the time and memory required. Furthermore, the system and method may use dithering algorithms and/or cost analysis to determine which building block can be used and placed to achieve high-quality structures. In another example, aspects of the invention may be used to more optimally schedule delivery trucks. In yet another example, aspects of the invention may be used to enhance handwriting recognition and speech recognition. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090171491 | Rotor Assembly System and Method - A system for assembling a rotor stack having a plurality of rotor disks may include a measurement system for measuring characteristics of the rotor disks, a computer electronically connected to the measurement system for capturing data from the measurement system, and solid modeling software for creating a virtual stack of the rotor disks optimized for concentricity. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090187264 | Information processing system for producing building material, building material production method and production equipment, and building information distribution system - An information processing system for producing a building material has a design drawing generator, a list generator and a member production controller. The design drawing generator generates design drawing information of an objective building. The list generator generates list information of the members used for the objective building. The member production controller controls the production of the members used for the objective building, based on the list information. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090216357 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF COMPONENT DATA - A method of manufacturing electronic circuits including generating CAD data, a bill of materials and an approved component vendor list for an electronic circuit and employing the CAD data, the bill of materials and the approved component vendor list for automatically generating a pick & place machine-specific component loading specification, a pick & place machine-specific component placement sequence and pick & place machine-specific component data for governing the operation of at least one specific pick & place machine in a manufacturing line. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216358 | ASSEMBLY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT APPARATUS, AND ASSEMBLY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT METHOD - An assembly information management apparatus includes a detection means for detecting an update of a selected part selected from a group of parts constituting any assembly information in the set, a first calculation means for calculating outline shape data of the selected part after being updated from the selected part detected by the detection means, an identification means for identifying a common assembly information group sharing the selected part from the set, a second calculation means for calculating outline shape data of common assembly information for each piece of common assembly information identified by the identification means based on outline shape data of remaining parts after excluding the selected part constituting the common assembly information and outline shape data of the selected part after being updated calculated by the first calculation means, and an association means for associating each piece of the common assembly information with outline shape data. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090222121 | ENHANCED FLATTENING FOR CABLE AND WIRING HARNESSES IN COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN DRAWINGS - Embodiments of the invention include a method for generating a two-dimensional (2D) flattened nailboard representation of a wiring harness in a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model. The nailboard representation invention may be used to provide a dimensionally accurate “flattened” view of a complex 3D wiring harness depicted in a CAD model, without cutting any of the wires included in the harness, and minimizing the overlap of multiple exposed wires present in wire loops. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222122 | Spectacle Lens Supply System, Ordering System, and Manufacturing Method - An ordering terminal ( | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090248184 | Haptically enabled dental modeling system - The invention provides a digital dentistry system that utilizes a haptic interface and features a computer-based design application configured to allow the intuitive construction of irregular, amorphous three-dimensional structures typically seen in dental restorations, utilizing, where appropriate, the design skills of a user. In certain embodiments, the system provides a comprehensive digital solution for dental labs in the business of creating dental restorations such as partial frameworks, crowns, copings, bridge frameworks, implants and the like, with a sense of touch provided by a haptic interface device. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090259329 | PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STRUCTURE DATA REPRESENTING A PHYSICAL STRUCTURE - A processing device and a method for processing structure data representing a physical structure are disclosed to obtain information about physical properties of the physical structure faster and with high quality and accuracy. The processing device for processing structure data representing a physical structure comprises an obtainer module for obtaining structure data representing a physical structure; a parts defining module for subdividing said structure data into at least two parts including a connection part and a material part; a meshing module for generating a mesh model approximating said physical structure by transforming said connection part and said material part into mesh elements having different sizes, wherein the mesh element sizes of said connection part are smaller than the mesh element sizes of said material part; and a processing module for processing said mesh model to estimate physical properties of said physical structure. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090265025 | System and Method for Simulation, Modeling and Scheduling of Equipment Preparation in Batch Process Manufacturing Facilities - A method and system for simulating, modeling and scheduling equipment preparation procedures in the biopharmaceutical production process is described herein. The use of process vessels in batch process manufacturing is optimized through the use of peak load scheduling frames. The system and method includes the steps of identifying soiled process components and their associated equipment preparation procedures. After the soiled process components are identified, a master list of soiled process components and their associated equipment preparation procedures is generated. After the soiled process components and the equipment preparation procedures are identified, the equipment preparation procedures are scheduled out based on preparation equipment protocols to generate a equipment preparation load summary table. Next, the size and capacity of the preparation equipment is determined based on the information in the load summary table. After the size and capacity of the preparation equipment is determined, an equipment preparation time line is generated. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090276070 | METHOD TO CONSTRUCT AND PHYSICALLY JOIN BUILDING BLOCKS INTO A NEAR-NET SHAPED PART USING AN INTERFACIAL REACTION-ACTIVATION MECHANISM - The disclosure provides a method to construct and physically join near-net shaped structural building blocks into a composite part using an interfacial reaction-activation mechanism. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090281649 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING MEASURING POINTS - In a method for determining measurement points on a physical object, a number of measurement points are first selected in a graphical computer model of the object, until a sufficient number of measuring points have been selected so as to allow the position and orientation (lay) of the object to be determined relative to a reference system. A further measuring point of the object is then selected in the graphical computer model, and a check is automatically made to determine whether the further measuring point can determine the lay of the object relative to the reference coordinate system more accurately. If so, the further measuring point is used for this determination. Further measuring points are selected and checked in this manner, until the lay of the object can be determined better than with a predefined tolerance. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090287332 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING FULL AND PARTIAL DENTURES - There is provided a system for fabricating at least a portion of a denture. The system includes a three-dimensional scanning device for scanning a surface of a denture template, and a computer-readable medium including a computer program for receiving data from the scanning device, creating a 3-dimensional model of the surface, and optionally modifying the 3-dimensional model and/or adding features to the 3-dimensional model. The system also includes a fabricator for creating the at least the portion of the denture, from a selected material, based on the 3-dimensional model. The fabricator may be a device including a lathe, or a rapid prototyping machine. There is also provided a method for fabricating at least a portion of a denture. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090292379 | Automated machining of dental block grafts and machining of biocompatible material for bone augmentation - A method of fabricating dental block grafts using automated cad/cam machining from digital models generated from CAT scans; where the scans are generated into virtual three dimensional models using computerized software; such models allow for a virtual restoration to be generated; production of the solid grafts are fabricated by the cad/cam machines using the algorithms generated by the software. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090292380 | METHOD FOR CREATING PROFILE DATA USED TO PROCESS NON-CIRCULAR WORKPIECE - Lift data in which a lift amount is set based on a lift data rotation angle is read to identify the shape of a non-circular workpiece, and a profile point group that is formed of a plurality of profile points, each of which indicates a tool reciprocation position that corresponds to a spindle rotation angle, is calculated based on the read lift data. Then, the calculated profile point group is divided into a plurality of groups each of which is formed of the profile points that satisfy a group division condition, the two groups that satisfy a group comparison condition are selected, and the profile point that satisfies a specific point deletion condition that is set in advance for the combination of the selected two groups is deleted. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090306801 | PATIENT SPECIFIC ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOTIC DEVICE - The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090306802 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING THE VIBRATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A STRUCTURE - A structural optimization engine generates a response profile based on a vibrational analysis of a three-dimensional (3D) structure. The structural optimization engine determines whether the 3D structure complies with one or more design goals set for the 3D structure based on the response profile. When the 3D structure does not comply with the design goals, the structural optimization engine retrieves dependency data from a structure database. The dependency data indicates various dependencies between response characteristics included in the response profile and specific regions of the 3D model. Based on the dependency data, the structural optimization engine determines structural modifications that can be made to the 3D structure to bring the 3D structure into compliance with the design goals. A multi-axis computer-aided manufacturing unit then makes the structural modifications to the 3D structure. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090319068 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MASS CUSTOM MANUFACTURING OF DENTAL CROWNS AND CROWN COMPONENTS - A Mass Custom Manufacturing System and methods are provided. A single master file is created for a restoration (or multiple restorations for a single patient) from a scan. Copings/cores, abutments and other companion pieces are designed using the master file through a deconstruction method allowing for simultaneous CAM of those pieces. A centralized system controls design and manufacturing, allowing the system to “learn” from feedback from the CAM operations of prior pieces and incorporate such feedback into the design phase. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090319069 | Reconfigurable Garment Definition and Production Method - Computer-aided design and manufacture software and hardware automate garment and fashion definition and production. Configurable garment includes ornamental element, pattern display, and personal identifier and wireless sensor electronics. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090326694 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEVELOPING AUTOMATED TEMPLATES FOR KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE - A system, method, and computer program product for automated development of templates for knowledge capture for use in computer aided design and manufacturing. A method includes receiving a user selection of one of a plurality of parts to be developed into a product template. The method also includes receiving data about the selected part, the data including a plurality of part components. The method further includes displaying parametric data relating to the part components and connections between the part components. The method still further includes receiving customizations to the parametric data from the user. The method also includes developing program code based on the customizations to the parametric data. The method also includes publishing the program code and the customized parametric data as the product template. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100004770 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD OF DESIGN OF SURFACES DEFINED BY GUIDING CURVES - The invention relates to a method of design of ruled surfaces. The method comprises the step of accessing data defining guiding curves P(u) and Q(v) and a cost function f(t, w). Given P(u) and Q(v), the unknown coupling is a parameterized curve s | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100010655 | ASSEMBLY CONNECTION METHOD FOR ATTACHING VIRTUAL PARTS IN A COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENT - A method and apparatus that allows the user of a computer aided design (CAD) system to connect three-dimensional parts to create a three-dimensional assembly using connections that completely define the attachment between the parts attached to each other by that connection. The user can simultaneously define the orientations of the parts and their behavior. “Behavior” includes whether parts are rigidly connected or allowed to move relative to one and other, and if allowed to move, the nature and limits on that movement. Within any movement allowed, the user may specify key discrete orientations known to be important to the function of the assembly, such as orientations that limit movement within the assembly. The connection method creates a smaller, more consistent representation of the underlying constraints of the assembly, improving the reliability, performance, and ease of use of a CAD system in which it is used. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100017006 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING NON-OCCLUDING EARPIECES - The present invention provides a method for computer-controlled creation of non-occluding earpieces with tube bore. The non-occluding earpieces are created based on a three-dimensional computer model of at least part of the outer ear and at least part of the auditory canal. The said model is created by a laser scanner, in the ear scanner or by other means. The said three-dimensional computer model is virtually modified to create the non-occluding earpieces and the tube bore. Finally the physical non-occluding earpieces are manufactured using rapid prototyping equipment. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100017007 | Apparatus and Method For Designing an Electrode Shape for an Electrical Discharge Machining Process - A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to obtain an orbital path shape. Each point on the orbital path shape represents a displacement of the tool shape when the tool shape is moved along the orbital path shape The tool shape, when moved along the orbital path shape, sweeps out a desired cavity shape. The executable instructions further include instructions to obtain an input solid model corresponding to the desired cavity shape to be swept out and derive a set of faces for a solid model of the tool shape based on the orbital path shape and a set of faces, a set of edges and a set of vertices corresponding to the input solid model. The executable instructions further include instructions to combine a subset of the set of faces derived for the tool shape to generate the solid model of the tool shape. In one embodiment, the tool shape corresponds to a Minkowski decomposition of the input solid model with respect to the orbital path shape. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100023149 | COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC SOCKETS - For use in connection with evaluating prosthetic sockets (and other objects) designed and fabricated with computer aided design and manufacturing software, the shape of a socket is accurately scanned and digitized. The scanned data are then compared to either an electronic shape data file, or to the shape of another socket, a positive model of a residual limb (or socket), or a residual limb. Differences detected during the comparison can then be applied to revise the design or fabrication of the socket, to more accurately achieve a desired shape that properly fits the residual limb of a patient and can be used to solve the inverse problem by correcting for observed errors of a specific fabricator before a socket is produced. The digitizing process is implemented using a stylus ball that contacts a surface of the socket to produce data indicating the three-dimensional shape of the socket. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100042242 | SKIN DESIGN PROCESS - A method of designing a virtual model for the manufacture of a blended body structure having two or more constituent elements, the method comprising the step of defining a parameterised, theoretical procedural skin from which two or more datum skins are generated, each datum skin defining a production outline of an airframe structure constituent element. The use of a procedural model with embedded parameterisation and associativity to derive the datum skins reduces the time taken to produce the datum skins and enables feature modifications to be incorporated into models quickly and consistently. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100042243 | COMPUTER ASSISTED METHOD FOR THE ADVANCED DESIGN OF BENT PARTS OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL - Computer assisted method for the advanced design of bent parts of composite material using a computer assisted CAD system comprising the following stages: a) Supplying the 2D mesh model ( | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100042244 | METHOD OF DESIGNING TOOL AND TOOL PATH FOR FORMING A ROTOR BLADE INCLUDING AN AIRFOIL PORTION - A method of designing a tool for forming a rotor blade including an airfoil portion includes generating a computer model of a rotor blade having an airfoil portion, and determining a curvature and radius of curvature at sections of the rotor blade. An inner and outer diameter of a circumferential forming portion of a tool operable to form the rotor blade may then be calculated. A method of designing a tool path for forming a rotor blade including an airfoil portion includes generating a computer model of a cylindrical tool operable to form a rotor blade including an airfoil portion and of a rotor having a plurality of the rotor blades. The computer models of the rotor and tool are used to generate a first and second tool motion corresponding to airfoil suction and pressure portions. A method of forming a rotor with integral blades is also disclosed. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100049351 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A DENTAL PROTHESIS - A method for producing a dental prosthesis, including obtaining data for the teeth that are to be replaced and for their surrounding area; compiling a database containing data for prefabricated tooth replacement parts; excluding those tooth replacement parts which, based on the data recorded for the teeth to be replaced and for their surrounding area, are unsuitable for functional and/or aesthetic and/or stability reasons; selecting the tooth replacement parts to be used; using imaging software to obtain a virtual representation of the tooth replacement parts integrated into the surrounding area in the patient's dentition in accordance with customary set-up rules; recording the data of an actual situation in a patient's mouth after preparation of the affected teeth and insertion of any implants; checking the compliance of the selected tooth replacement parts with the data of the actual situation after preparation; making available the selected tooth replacement parts; modifying the selected tooth replacement parts according to the data of the actual situation after preparation. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100070061 | Method for simulating the gauging of a liquid tank - Method for simulating the gauging of a hollow body intended to contain a liquid and that comprises the following steps:
| 03-18-2010 |
| 20100076581 | Methods for designing a customized dental prosthesis using digital images of a patient - Methods and systems for producing customized dental restoration and prosthesis, particularly denture prescriptions using a computer software program are provided. In this system, digital photographs of the patient to be fitted with the denture are taken, and the photographs are transferred to the software program. Based on these photographs, the program makes certain calculations. The program then prompts the dental professional to select the desired materials and structure for the denture. Based on this input, the program automatically produces a prescription for the denture. The digital prescription is sent to a dental laboratory for making the denture. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076582 | System for making custom prototypes - A system for making custom prototypes including devices for making the prototype, logic, software, firmware, hardware, circuitry or other components and responsive to user input. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100087939 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND TOOLS FOR PROOFING A COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OBJECT - Systems, methods, and tools for proofing computer-aided design (CAD) objects (e.g., CAD drawings or models). The objects are implemented with CAD software and represent an apparatus. An exemplary method includes receiving a CAD object representing the apparatus, determining criteria for proofing the CAD object, determining rules, extracting items of interest from the CAD object, comparing the extracted items with the rules, and tagging the extracted items based on the comparisons. An exemplary criterion for proofing the CAD object is the type of material (e.g., a type of plastic material) for the apparatus to be manufactured in. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087940 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND TOOLS FOR PROOFING A COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OBJECT - Systems, methods, and tools for proofing computer-aided design (CAD) objects (e.g., CAD drawings or models). The objects are implemented with CAD software and represent an apparatus. An exemplary method includes receiving a CAD object representing the apparatus, determining criteria for proofing the CAD object, determining rules, extracting items of interest from the CAD object, and comparing the extracted items with the rules. An example item of interest is a drawing note on the CAD object and an example rule includes a plurality of keywords. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100094446 | FEATURE DRIVEN RULE-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR AUTOMATION OF MODELING WORKFLOWS IN DIGITAL MANUFACTURING - A method for designing a prosthetic device includes acquiring a three-dimensional image of an anatomical surface. A rules script for automatically performing a plurality of image processing rules using a script interpreter is executed. For each particular rule of the plurality of rules, one or more anatomical features that are relevant to the particular rule using a surface shaping engine are determined, the one or more determined anatomical features are automatically segmented from the acquired three-dimensional image using a feature detector, and the particular image processing rule is performed on the acquired three-dimensional image based on the automatically segmented anatomical features using a CAD tool. A prosthetic device design is produced based on the three-dimensional image upon which the rules of the plurality of image processing rules have been performed. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100106275 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING DATA FOR A DENTAL COMPONENT AND A PHYSICAL DENTAL MODEL - Methods for obtaining data and for manufacturing a dental component and a physical dental model of at least a part of a dental structure are provided which can improve processing times and provide sufficient manufacturing accuracy. An embodiment of the method can comprise obtaining a first data record for manufacturing the dental component and a second data record for manufacturing the physical dental model. The first data record can comprise data based on a portion of a digital dental model. The second data record can comprise data based on at least the portion of the digital dental model. In this regard, the data upon which the first and second data records are based can be obtained using first and second scanning resolutions in order to improve processing times and provide sufficient accuracy. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106276 | METHOD FOR MODELLING OR PRODUCING A DENTURE SUPPLY, MACHINE-READABLE DATA CARRIER, AND COMPUTER - The invention relates to a method of modelling a denture supply, such as a bridge construction, a crown, a cap, a set of artificial teeth or the like, said method comprising the following steps: creating or loading a first data record recording the shape of an initial situation before any treatment, such as the extraction or grinding of one or of a plurality of teeth, and creating or loading a second data record recording the shape of a post-treatment situation, and using the first and second data records for modelling the denture supply. The invention also relates to associated computer-readable data carriers and a computer. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106277 | PACKAGE DESIGN METHOD USING STRATODESIGN INTEGRATED IN THE METHOD FOR DESIGNING THE PRODUCT TO BE PACKAGED - The invention relates to a method for designing and producing a package intended for the protection and/or transportation of a product. All of the digital design steps for the package are integrated in the method for digitizing the product, which includes a step of laminating a virtual key form of the product used to define geometrical data of each layer of the package to be cut. Then, the cutting is carried out followed by the stacking of the layers of the package defined by the design steps for said package to form a real package. The invention also relates to the package obtained by the method. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100114350 | METHOD OF DETERMINING MESH DATA AND METHOD OF CORRECTING MODEL DATA - A die fabricated based on reference model data is corrected, and the corrected die is measured with a measuring instrument to provide three-dimensional measured die data. Noise areas in the three-dimensional measured die data are identified and removed using a computer. The three-dimensional measured die data and the model data are placed in proximity to each other, and a stacking and deforming process is performed in order to project a model surface represented by the model data onto a measured data surface represented by the three-dimensional measured die data. The stacking and deforming process is performed only within a range of the model surface that corresponds to an area in which the die is corrected. Portions of the three-dimensional measured die data from which noise areas have been removed are complemented by the model data. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114351 | Method for manipulating a dental virtual model, method for creating physical entities based on a dental virtual model thus manipulated, and dental models thus created - A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100125355 | MODULAR CUSTOM WEAPON STOCK MANUFACTURING - A custom gun is fabricated by combining stock design modules. Using a common datum various stock modules can be combined to produce a unique stock configuration. Each of the modular stock components is chosen from the library stock design modules according to the characteristics and the intended use of the gun. This subset of design modules is processed in combination with the physical characteristics of a user to arrive at a customized three-dimensional model of a stock for a gun. The model can thereafter be modified and segmented before all or a portion of the model is output to a computer aided machining device which, using a unitary piece of stock material, can fabricate the stock according to the computer generated model. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100125356 | System and Method for Manufacturing - A method includes receiving a predetermined object pattern representing a portion of a three-dimensional object, modifying the predetermined object pattern to correct for geometric distortion of a pattern generator, and generating the modified pattern using the pattern generator. The generated pattern interacts with a reactive material to form the portion of the three-dimensional object defined by the predetermined object pattern. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100131090 | METHOD AND PROCESS FOR AUTOMATING THE DESIGN OF A LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A HEARING INSTRUMENT - In a method for automating design of a locking mechanism for a hearing instrument, a computerized 3D file of an ear impression shell surface is provided based on a 3D scan of a 3D ear impression of a patient's ear. The ear impression shell surface includes a locking surface comprising at least one of a helix or canal concha portion of the patient's ear. A 3D file is provided of a hearing aid shell. With a computer, the hearing aid shell is placed in a desired location in the ear impression shell surface where the hearing aid shell is to be locked in position. With the computer, a volume surface as a 3D file is created representing the locking mechanism by utilizing a profile of the ear impression shell surface to be used as the locking surface. The volume surface runs from the ear impression shell surface and along the profile of the locking surface. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100131091 | A METHOD AND RELATIVE DEVICE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGICAL RECIPE INFORMATION TO AID IN DEFINING PROCESS FLOWS, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF MICRO-AND NANOTECHNOLOGY DEVICES IN CLEANROOM LABORATORIES - There is described a method for managing information to actively support the definition of new process flows, in particular in the field of micro- and nanotechnology devices typically developed in cleanroom laboratories where one or more production batches can be executed according to one reference process flow. With the use of this method it is possible to store information suited to trace the reliability and the evolution of technological recipes used into one or more production batches based on a given reference process flow. Thanks to these storing and tracing capabilities, the method addresses the selection of appropriate and reliable recipes while designing new process flows, thus favoring the definition of highly reliable new processes. The method is general and transparent with respect to different recipe types, recipe structures and technologies. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100138020 | CROWNING PROFILE - A contact element that is arranged to follow, i.e. slide or roll, against a mating part includes a contact surface having a crowning profile on at least a part thereof. The crowning profile is defined by the function Y(X)=AX6 where Y is the crowning quantity, X is the distance from the centre of the contact surface of the contact element, A and B are real numbers and B is greater than 2. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100138021 | MODELING SHEET METAL TRANSITIONAL SHAPES WITH MANUFACTURING INTENT AND RESULTS - A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to generate a lofted sheet metal model. User input is accepted that obtains two input profiles. A triangulated lofted shape is generated that transitions between the two profiles. The triangulated lofted shape is adjusted to reflect a manufacturing process. A manufacturable lofted sheet metal shape is then generated based on the adjusted triangulated lofted shape. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100145490 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) MANUFACTURING PROCESS PLANNING - Manufacturing process planning is usually considered as not intuitive for non-expert user. This is because a user needs to deal with processes, describing a work to be done, and other abstract concepts that are loosely related to the real world. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided to describe a work to be done in response to a user interacting with a three-dimensional representation of one or more parts that form a product and to provide the user with feedback in the form of a graphical representation of the work to be done. This approach is very intuitive as it is close to how a user would, for example, in a real world, decompose a product into sub-assemblies that essentially results into a definition of a manufacturing process of the product. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145491 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONTROLLED FABRICATION OF MICRO AND NANOSCALE STRUCTURES BY THERMOCAPILLARY LITHOGRAPHY - An apparatus and method of controllably stimulating the growth and evolution of 2D and 3D structures from a thin film mass transfer process such that complex devices can be designed and fabricated having engineered features of different heights and separation distances in a single or few process steps are provided. More specifically, the apparatus and method allows for the construction of engineered temperature gradient fields capable of controlling for, and taking into account, proximity effects during the growth and evolution of adjacent structures, which in turn allows for the production of technologically significant micro and nanoscale devices in a number of fields. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100152871 | LOCAL ENFORCEMENT OF ACCURACY IN FABRICATED MODELS - The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100152872 | LOCAL ENFORCEMENT OF ACCURACY IN FABRICATED MODELS - The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100152873 | LOCAL ENFORCEMENT OF ACCURACY IN FABRICATED MODELS - The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100161094 | CONFORMING COMPONENTS USING REVERSE ENGINEERING - A method for conforming components may comprise measuring a first component using a conforming tool, and recording position data for the first component based on the measuring. A path for the conforming tool may be provided using the position data, and a second component may be modified by moving the same conforming tool based on the provided path. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100161095 | Repairing Composite Structures - The design for a repair of an area of a composite structure is at least partially automated. Electronic data defining the boundaries of the area is used to calculate the boundaries of a cutout in the composite structure encompassing the area. Components used to repair the area are automatically designed based on the location of the cutout. Following removal of the cutout, the repair components are installed. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100161096 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING THE CUTTING PATTERN OF PIECES OF WOOD SUCH AS LOGS - A method for identifying the cutting pattern for pieces of wood such as logs comprises the operating steps of:
| 06-24-2010 |
| 20100168890 | Three-Dimensional Data Extraction Using Ray Casting - Methods are provided for solid free-form fabrication of an article without using a slice stack file. These apply ray casting a number of times to an electronic representation of the article to create data objects for use directly as printing instructions or which are convertible into printing instructions. The data objects may be utilized as they is generated or after they are created for a portion or all of the article. After utilization, the data objects may be discarded or stored for later use. Layer-specific layer thickness and other-direction resolution parameters may be input and utilized in selecting the number of rays to be cast, their origination points, and their directions, thus permitting controllable variation in detail precision in any direction. Error diffusion techniques may be used to improve fabricated part integrity. Improved intermachine portability is provided. Method, system, code, and media claims are included. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168891 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF JUXTAPOSING COMPONENTS IN AN ASSEMBLY PROCESS - A computer model is formed of a mounting component ( | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100179675 | PROCESSING APPARATUS, CENTER-HOLE WORKING SYSTEM, CENTER-HOLE POSITION DECIDING PROGRAM, AND CENTER-HOLE POSITION DECIDING METHOD - A processing apparatus includes a three-dimensional shape data acquiring section, a tentative center-hole position determining section, a shape simulating section, a balance deciding section, and a center-hole deciding section. The tentative center-hole position determining section is configured to determine a tentative position of the center holes based on the three-dimensional shape data. The shape simulating section is configured to obtain a simulated shape of the material crankshaft after a working is simulated for the material crankshaft based on the tentative position of the center holes as a reference. The balance deciding section is configured to decide whether a rotational imbalance amount in the simulated shape is within a predetermined allowable range. The center-hole deciding section is configured to decide the tentative position as an actual boring position of the center holes when the rotational imbalance amount is within the predetermined allowable range. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100185309 | PRODUCT CUSTOMIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A product customization system and method are provided in which a consumer can insert user content, such as images or text, onto a product, such as a skateboard, and then view the customized product before purchasing the customized product. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185310 | PROGRAM CREATION APPARATUS, NUMERICAL CONTROL APPARATUS, PROGRAM CREATION METHOD - An NC programming assisting apparatus that creates an NC machining program reflecting dimensional tolerance data on shape data of a machining subject includes a machining target dimension calculation unit that calculates machining target dimensions of the machining subject based on the shape data and the dimensional tolerance data; a shape data deform processing unit that sets post-movement positions of graphic elements based on positional movement information about how to move the graphic elements, the machining target dimension, and the shape data so that a dimension between graphic elements included in the shape data conforms to the corresponding machining target dimension; and an NC machining program generation processing unit that creates an NC machining program by using the shape data and the post-movement position of each graphic element. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100191360 | SOLID FREEFORM FABRICATION USING A PLURALITY OF MODELING MATERIALS - A system and methods for solid freeform fabrication of an object is disclosed. The system comprises a solid freeform fabrication apparatus having a plurality of dispensing heads, a building material supply apparatus configured to supply a plurality of building materials to the fabrication apparatus, and a control unit configured for controlling the fabrication apparatus and the supply apparatus based on an operation mode selected from a plurality of predetermined operation modes. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100198383 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AFTER-MARKET SUPPORT USING AS-BUILT DATA - A maintenance system for an assembly comprises a storage medium containing an as-built computer-aided design model of the assembly, a displaying means for displaying the as-built computer-aided design model, a metrology device for measuring a location of at least one characteristic of the assembly and creating as-built data regarding the location, and a replacing means for replacing a part of the assembly with a replacement part. The replacing means determines the location for the replacement part on the assembly by analyzing the as-built computer-aided design model and the data created by the metrology device. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100204815 | COMPOSITE STACK ANALYSIS METHOD - A method is provided for generating a data product that allows for enhanced design, analysis and manufacture of a composite structure comprising a plurality of plies. The method comprises the steps of obtaining geometric ply definitions, inputting the geometric ply definitions into a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software program to generate a numerically coded tool path definition containing centerline data for each tape or tow comprising a ply, programming tape or tow course shape definitions of a plurality of plies in CAM to produce actual ply definitions, using CAM to generate an accumulated dataset of actual ply definitions, using a customized software program to analyze the dataset to obtain a data product containing results relating to manufacturing implementation of the actual ply definitions, and using the customized software program to evaluate and visualize potential impact of the data product and to interrogate the data product. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100204816 | METHOD, APPARATUS, MEDIA AND SIGNALS FOR PRODUCING A REPRESENTATION OF A MOLD - A method, apparatus, media and signals for producing a representation of a mold for forming an appliance for a living body is disclosed. The method involves identifying points representing a line corresponding to an intended edge of the appliance on a surface of the mold, the surface being defined by an input plurality of points representing a general shape of the mold. The method also involves identifying regions extending along the surface on opposite sides of the line, adjusting at least one coordinate of at least one of the input plurality of points that falls within at least one of the regions to alter the shape of the surface in the at least one region to produce a modified surface representation, and storing the modified surface representation in a computer memory to produce a modified representation of the mold. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100217416 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR CREATING TOOL REFERENCE PLANE - An apparatus for calculating a tool reference plane utilizes a machining plane model and an inversed tool model to create a collection of sphere regions having three dimensional grid points as their center, and identifies a nearest point on each of the model planes from the respective center point of the sphere regions. The positions within the tool reference plane can be accurately identified to the degree of the grid interval of the three dimensional grid points using the machining plane model and the inversed tool model consisting of the collection of sphere regions. By using the nearest point on each of the model planes, the position of the tool reference plane is identified using the accuracy created by the model planes. According to this apparatus, a tool reference plane can be created accurately irrespective of the shape of the machining plane model. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100217417 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTOTYPING BY LEARNING FROM EXAMPLES - A method for specifying design rules for a manufacturing process includes providing a training set of 3D point meshes that represent an anatomical structure, for each 3D point mesh, finding groupings of points that define clusters for each shape class of the anatomical structure, calculating a prototype for each shape class cluster, and associating one or more manufacturing design rules with each shape class prototype. The method includes providing a new 3D point mesh that represents an anatomical structure, calculating a correspondence function that maps the new 3D point mesh to a candidate shape class prototype by minimizing a cost function, calculating a transformation that aligns points in the new 3D point mesh with points in the candidate shape class prototype, and using the rules associated with the shape class prototype, if the candidate shape class prototype is successfully aligned with the new 3D point mesh. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100222908 | PACKAGE GENERATION SYSTEM - A system for creating a package includes a processor, a memory, and computer-readable instructions that instruct the processor to receive a package description and generate content, formatting instructions, and a structural design features for a package. The system applies the content and structural design features to a substrate to convert a flat substrate into a three-dimensional package. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100228369 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC SUPPORT GENERATION FOR AN OBJECT MADE BY MEANS OF A RAPID PROTOTYPE PRODUCTION METHOD - The present invention is directed to an improved method for supporting an object made by means of stereo lithography or any other rapid prototype production method. The generation of the support begins by determining the region that requires support in each layer of the object and defines a number of support points in this region. In a next step, a support mesh is generated connected to the object using these support points. The present invention also discloses different techniques that reduce superfluous edges to further optimize the support mesh. Finally, a support is generated from this support mesh. The present invention may facilitate the generation of supports data by employing more automation and less user analysis. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100234972 | METHOD OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL GRAPHICAL MODELLING - The invention relates to the field of methods of three-dimensional graphical modelling. This is a method of three-dimensional graphical modelling of an interface between several elements, comprising at least: for at least two elements, a step of determining one or more parameters of the element that relate to the interface; a step of displaying, at the level of a software resource, a three-dimensional graphical modelling of the interface with the aid of the parameters determined, at least one of the elements being a phase of a manufacturing method, at least one determined parameter of which used for the displaying step corresponds to a constraint imposed by the manufacturing method phase. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234973 | PATTERN VERIFYING METHOD, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND PATTERN VERIFYING PROGRAM - A specification of a layout of a layout pattern arranged on a layer is set based on three-dimensional structures of layers of a semiconductor integrated circuit. It is verified whether a layout pattern formed on a wafer based on design layout data subjected to proximity correction satisfies the specification. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100241261 | PATTERN GENERATING METHOD, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - Pattern formation simulations are performed based on design layout data subjected to OPC processing with a plurality of process parameters set in process conditions. A worst condition of the process conditions is calculated based on risk points extracted from simulation results. The design layout data or the OPC processing is changed such that when a pattern is formed under the worst condition based on the changed design layout data or the changed OPC processing a number of the risk points or a risk degree of the risk points of the pattern is smaller than the simulation result. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100241262 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DESIGNING AND PRODUCING DENTAL PROSTHESES AND APPLIANCES - A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100262271 | Method for Minimising Shrinkage and Warpage in Rotomoulding Applications - The present invention discloses a method for mapping and controlling the three-dimensional shrinkage and warpage occurring in rotomoulding applications. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100268363 | DIGITALLY-MACHINED SMC DENTAL ARTICLES - A dental article is fabricated from an SMC material using three-dimensional data captured from natural dentition to guide a computer-controlled milling machine. The three-dimensional data may include scans of an original tooth structure and a prepared tooth surface to characterize all surfaces of a dental article, or certain features may be created within a computer-assisted design environment taking account of occlusion, proximal contacts, and the like. In addition the model applied to a computer-controlled milling machine may account for shrinkage of the SMC material during any post-milling curing steps in order to ensure an accurate fit to the prepared tooth surface. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100274374 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR THE DETAILED DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF REINFORCEMENT FOR BUILDINGS - The invention refers to a system and method for the creation, modification, storage, exchange and sharing of detailed design and production of reinforcement for buildings. The system and method according to the invention incorporates a data administration system, which offers the user of the invention the ability to create the detailed designs of the reinforcement and to use the reinforcement data for a variety of reasons, such as the calculation of the volume of the material needed, the selection of reinforcement, the control of CNC machines for the production of the reinforcement etc., in an error free process. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100274375 | Method and system for making reliefs and sculptures - Disclosed is a method and system for creating a relief or sculpture from an object. More specifically the present invention relates to methods for creating a relief or sculpture from a human model utilizing software to reconstruct a 3D data set from 2D images of the human model and shaping the relief or sculpture using computer numerical controlled milling machines. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100274376 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Stress Modeling of Integrated Circuit Material Undergoing Material Conversion - A method, a computer medium storing computer instructions performing a method, and a computer with processor and memory perform stress modeling as follows. The stress model transforms a representation of a material conversion of a first material in the integrated circuit to a second material in the integrated circuit. Prior to the material conversion the first material occupies a first space having a first boundary. After the material conversion the first material and the second material together occupy a second space having a second boundary. The first space and the second space are different. The stress model performed by the computer system transforms the representation of the material conversion of the first material to the second material into: i) the first material occupying the first space having the first boundary, and ii) a strain displacement condition of the first material. The strain displacement condition is determined by a spatial change from the first boundary to the second boundary. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100292822 | Method and apparatus for generating control data for controlling a tool on a machine tool - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating control data for controlling a predetermined tool on a machine tool for machining a workpiece clamped in the machine tool from a blank to a finished part. Machining geometry model data of a machining geometry of the workpiece at a machining time are compared with finished part geometry model data in order to determine a difference geometry between the machining geometry and the finished part geometry. On the basis of the determined difference geometry, a machining path is determined for the predetermined tool for removing material from the workpiece, and path data is generated such that a maximally large part of the volume of the difference geometry is removed per time unit in dependence of a maximum machining volume of the predetermined tool. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100312370 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO IMPROVE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, PERFORMANCE AND/OR USE OF WELL TOOLS - Methods and systems are provided to improve design, manufacture and performance of oilfield equipment and well tools using three dimensional (3D) scanning technology and one or more feedback loops. Manufacturing processes and techniques associated with a well tool may be evaluated based on comparing “as built” 3D data with a design data file for the well tool. Based on differences between “as built” 3D data and the design data file, one or more changes in associated manufacturing procedures and/or technique may be made. Computational fluid dynamic applications may be used to simulate fluid flow characteristics of a well tool using associated design data file, “as built” 3D data and/or after use 3D data. The associated design data file, manufacturing procedures and/or procedures for use of the well tool may be modified based on comparing simulated fluid flow data with desired fluid flow characteristics for the well tool. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100318208 | System and Method for Designing an Ear Insert Device - A method for designing an ear insert device using anatomical information relating to the ear. A user record is that includes anatomical information relating to an ear of a user is received. The anatomical information comprises at least one sub-dermal feature of an ear canal. The user record is processed to obtain an ear insert device design record. The ear insert device design record comprises a three dimensional representation of a bounding surface shape having surface boundaries that substantially conform to surface boundaries of the ear canal and the at least one sub-dermal feature of the ear canal. An ear insert device may be produced using the ear insert design record. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100324713 | PROCESS INTEGRATION DETERMINING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A machined shape determining step of determining a machined shape machined by a basic tooling or basic tooling template of each machining efficiency group from a material shape (S | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324714 | PROCESS INTEGRATION DETERMINING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An optimal process determining system executes a step of calculating a temporary process that includes information of a plurality of individual processes. According to an example, each process includes a tooling including of a tool, a holder, a tool projection length, and a sequence of the plurality of individual processes. A similarity between the toolings of two individual processes is calculated. In addition, a calculation is performed relating to a plurality of integrated processes for which the tooling of one of the individual processes having a high similarity is integrated into the tooling of the other one of the individual processes. In addition, an optimal process is determined from the plurality of integrated processes on the basis of an actual machining time in each of the integrated processes, a unit integration reduction time reduced as one of the toolings of the individual processes is integrated, and the number of the individual processes integrated. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324715 | DIRECT MANUFACTURING METHOD OF SELECTIVE LASER MELTING OF CUSTOMIZED TONGUE-SIDE ORTHODONTIC SUPPORT GROOVES - This invention has provided a direct manufacturing methodology of customized lingual orthodontic brackets by selective laser melting. The procedure is as follows. First of all, measure the dentition data and construct the 3D CAD model of the teeth through reverse engineering. Then a single soleplate of the lingual bracket contacting the tooth surface, as well as the ideal slot position is designed based on the teeth features. The designed models are later imported into the SLM machine and used to produce the brackets with desired materials directly. This method can actualize customized manufacture with highly accuracy, producing highly matched brackets all at once. The invention not only saves time and cost, but also has wide adaptation range and is able to adopt various raw materials. Different raw materials can be utilized in one step to accommodate specific capacity requirement of different parts of the brackets. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100332005 | APPARATUS AND AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A PERSONALIZED 3D OBJECT - An apparatus for producing a personalized 3D object is disclosed. The apparatus, or kiosk, comprises a payment detector, a user input device and a display, an image acquisition system, calculators for calculating a 3D image, a manufacturing device and an exit for delivering the personalized 3D object to the user. The manufacturing device includes a loading device for loading blank 3D objects on a platform, which includes vertical storages and a rotatable tray disposed underneath having a slit therein for receiving the blank 3D objects. The rotatable tray is computer controlled to rotated between various operative positions for loading and unloading the 3D objects. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100332006 | Method and Device for Visualizing an Installation of Automation Systems Together with a Workpiece - A method and a device for visualizing a workpiece in a visualized model of an automated installation. In accordance with the invention, the method comprises making available a selection device to the user of the visualized model of the automated installation, visualizing the automated installation together with the workpiece and centering the workpiece in the visualized model of the automated installation, where the selection device is used by the user to preselect the workpiece. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110004331 | METHODS OF PREPARING A VIRTUAL DENTITION MODEL AND FABRICATING A DENTAL RETAINER THEREFROM - A virtual model of a dental patient's dentition is provided by obtaining a digital data file of the patient's teeth and orthodontic appliances connected to the teeth, and then combining data from the data file with other data that represents surfaces of the teeth underlying the appliances. The virtual model is useful in preparing a physical model of the patient's current dentition that can be used, for example, to make a dental retainer. Advantageously, the retainer can be fabricated before the orthodontic appliances are disconnected from the patient's teeth and ready for use as soon as the patient's teeth have reached their desired positions in the oral cavity | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110009993 | PROGRAMMING APPARATUS - A programming apparatus has a machining area recognizing section for recognizing a plurality of machining areas based on three-dimensional model data, a workpiece dividing section for setting a plurality of structures obtained by dividing a workpiece, a connection relationship recognizing section for recognizing a connection relationship between the machining areas, a machining area list generating section for recognizing, for each of the machining areas, either a machining type related to turning or a machining type related to milling corresponding thereto, and generating a machining area list in which the structures, machining areas, machining types and connection relationship are correlated with one another, a machining process setting section for setting, for each of the machining areas, a machining process corresponding to the machining type related to turning or milling thereof, and an NC program generating section for generating an NC program. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009994 | DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING VEHICLE FLOOR TRAYS - A vehicle floor tray is molded from a multiple extrusion polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray design is digitally fitted to a foot well of a particular vehicle such that large areas of at least two upstanding walls of the tray depart from respective surfaces of the foot well by no more than an eighth of an inch. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110022207 | Methods of and Apparatus for Electrochemically Fabricating Structures Via Interlaced Layers or Via Selective Etching and Filling of Voids - Multi-layer structures are electrochemically fabricated by depositing a first material, selectively etching the first material (e.g. via a mask), depositing a second material to fill in the voids created by the etching, and then planarizing the depositions so as to bound the layer being created and thereafter adding additional layers to previously formed layers. The first and second depositions may be of the blanket or selective type. The repetition of the formation process for forming successive layers may be repeated with or without variations (e.g. variations in: patterns; numbers or existence of or parameters associated with depositions, etchings, and or planarization operations; the order of operations, or the materials deposited). Other embodiments form multi-layer structures using operations that interlace material deposited in association with some layers with material deposited in association with other layers. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110022208 | VISUALIZATION OF PRODUCT BUILD USING PRECEDENCE TRANSVERSAL METHOD - A method for visualization of product build which includes compilation of a virtual temporal configuration of an in-process assembly and visualization of the results using three-dimensional representations of the affected products and associated resources. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes formulating a plurality of installation plans each adapted to direct production of a portion of a product within a build sequence of the product and enabling three-dimensional virtual visualization of a temporal build state of the portion of a product for each of the installation plans. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110029116 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE MECHANICAL AXIS OF A FEMUR - A method positions a profile of a prosthetic component on the three-dimensional model of a limb. Patient-specific anatomical data of the limb is gathered. First and second anatomical landmarks are identified to determine a first spatial relationship. A third anatomical landmark is identified to determine a second spatial relationship with respect to the first spatial relationship. The profile of the prosthetic component is positioned in all but one degree of freedom. A fourth anatomical landmark is identified to position the profile of the prosthetic component in the one remaining degree of freedom. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110035038 | System and Method for Making a Three-Dimensional Reproduction of a Relief Surface - The invention relates to a method for making a three-dimensional reproduction of a relief surface, which method comprises the following steps: scanning the surface at least twice by means of a scanner to be connected to a computer, the first scan being carried out under different conditions than the second scan, comparing the scans with each other by means of the computer in order to obtain a digital three-dimensional image of the surface relief, forming a mould by means of a processing machine on the basis of said digital three-dimensional image of the surface relief, making the three-dimensional reproduction of the surface by means of said mould. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110046763 | PLANAR MANUFACTURING DRAWING PRODUCTION SUPPORT DEVICE, PLANAR MANUFACTURING DRAWING PRODUCTION SUPPORT METHOD, PLANAR MANUFACTURING DRAWING PRODUCTION SUPPORT PROGRAM AND BRANCH ANGLE DESIGN SUPPORT DEVICE - The present invention aims to improve accuracy of a planar manufacturing drawing used to instruct manufacture of a three-dimensional structure in a planar form. According to path plan information is acquired by a path plan information acquisition unit | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046764 | 3D Mold For Manufacturing Of Sub-Micron 3D Structures Using 2-D Photon Lithography And Nanoimprinting And Process Thereof - A process to manufacture a 3D mold to fabricate a high-throughput and low cost sub-micron 3D structure product is disclosed. The process integrates use of 2-photon laser lithography and 3D write technology to make a 3D mold of each layer of the 3D structure product, and then use nanoimprinting to form a sheet of polymer film of each layer of the 3D structure from the said 3D mold of that layer. Each layer of the sheet of polymer film is then fabricated into the sub-micron 3D structure product. The 3D mold of each layer of a high-throughput and low cost sub-micron 3D structure product, is further used to make master molds which is then used to form a sheet of polymer film of each layer of the 3D structure to fabricate the sub-micron 3D structure product. Applications using this process are also disclosed. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110054652 | Building Construction Software and System - A method of building construction includes designing a building with software for execution on a computer such that an envelope of the building principally comprises expanded polystyrene foam panels, and the software is used to automatically generate a plan with reference numbers that identify substantially all the component pieces of the building. The software and computer are coupled to a computer aided design (CAD) program for generating computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling commands for expanded polystyrene foam panels, and a cut-list for steel reinforcing studs to fit into matching slots milled into the expanded polystyrene foam panels. At least the expanded polystyrene foam panels and matching steel reinforcing studs are marked with identifying numbers corresponding to the reference numbers. The expanded polystyrene foam panels are milled with a CNC machine and panel cutter according to CNC milling commands from the CAD program. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054653 | METHOD AS TO WORK ON A PART TO BE FINISHED AND A FINISHED PART - The present disclosure provides a method to machine a “to-be” body out of a raw part having at least one functional surface needing an allowance, whereas the method incorporates a “to-be” body, with the following process steps:
| 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054654 | Creating Genetic Devices - Creating genetic devices for use in micro-organisms or other biological systems is described. In an embodiment a computer system receives at a program editor, input specifying a plurality of part designs, at least some of which comprise part properties expressed as logical variables; and the input also specifies constraints on the logical variables. For example, the input is a computer program which specifies constraints on the logical variables which, for example, relate to properties of the DNA sequences such as reactions and biological behaviors. In an example, a compiler resolves the constraints using a database of genetic parts in order to generate candidate parts for the proposed genetic device. In examples the sequences of genetic parts are translated into reactions and simulated using an automated simulator and/or implemented in a living cell or other biological system. In embodiments the compiler also uses a database of reactions. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054655 | Computer Assisted Determination Of Tapped Threads From CAD File - A computer program, system and method receives a customer's CAD file of a custom part to be formed. Depending upon customer responses to several basic queries, the CAD file is analyzed to identify acceptable holes for tapping. For each identified hole, an appropriate and available thread size is automatically selected, even if the cylindrical recess differs in size from the characteristic size of the threaded hole. The customer is then automatically advised 10 of the results of the tapping analysis, preferably as part of a quotation for part manufacture that identifies the number of threaded holes in the part and preferably identifies the changes to the tapped holes and the specific thread form being quoted for the hole. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054656 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ARTIFICIAL IMPLANTS - The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing artificial implants, comprising 1) acquiring the pre-operation three dimensional volume image and the post-operation three dimensional volume image of the operation portion, thereby respectively producing the pre-operation target image and the post-operation target image including the target; 2) aligning the pre-operation target image with the post-operation target image so as to generate the aligned image; 3) acquiring the difference image of the incised part in the target based on the aligned image; 4) building the three dimensional model of mold points of the incised part based on the difference image; and 5) manufacturing the artificial implant having the same shape with the incised part based on such three dimensional model of mold points. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110060439 | Automated Quoting Of CNC Machined Custom Molds And/Or Custom Parts - A customer sends a CAD file for the part to be manufactured to the system. The system assesses the CAD file to determine various pieces of manufacturing information. One or more acceptability criteria are applied to the part, such as whether the part can be machined in two opposing orientations in a 3 axis CNC machine. If not, the system sends a file to the customer graphically indicating which portions of the part need modification to be manufacturable. The system provides the customer with a quotation form, that allows the customer to select several parameters, such as number of cavities or parts per workpiece block, surface finish and material, which are independent of the shape of the part. The quotation module then provides the customer with the cost to manufacture the mold or a number of parts, which may include both molded parts and total profiled machined parts. Budget-driven quotation is possible, wherein proposed modifications in the molding process are controlled by the budget of the customer. Interactivity is also achieved, with the customer being able to modify the quotation interactively by modifying one or more of the initially selected parameters, including selecting a different budgeted amount. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110066266 | INTERCONNECTION DESIGN METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING PROGRAM AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF INTERCONNECTION SUBSTRATE - An interconnection design method for a multiplayer interconnection substrate having a power supply layer or a ground layer, interconnection layers having interconnections, vias connecting the interconnection layers mutually, and an opening surrounding a via in the power supply layer or the ground layer, the method including: specifying an interconnection for a specific signal as a specific signal interconnection; determining an approximate arrangement of vias; changing positions of the vias and obtaining approximate interconnection routes in respective approximate arrangement of the vias, and evaluating respective interconnectivity for an evaluation region; and obtaining a detailed interconnection route based on a result of the evaluation of the interconnectivity; the specific signal interconnection including one adjacent to a via, and the evaluating respective interconnectivity includes setting a position of one end of the evaluation region into a position associated with an outside end face of the opening. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110066267 | SURGICAL GUIDES AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING ARTIFICIAL TEETH AND DENTAL IMPLANTS - A method is set forth for making a computer model of patient's jaws on the basis of digital information. Digital data about the jaws, teeth, soft tissues and artificial teeth is joined in computer space to create aesthetic and functional plans for the removal of teeth, shaping of supporting bone and placement of dental implants. Artificial teeth and pre-manufactured prosthetic devices are made and attached to the dental implants at the time of surgery. The aesthetic and functional position of artificial teeth is determined prior to surgical removal of natural teeth and the ideal position of implants and the proper form of the remaining bone are determined prior to surgery. Surgical guides used to shape bone, record occlusal orientation and position dental implants are manufactured using computer milling or layered manufacturing. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110077760 | METHOD OF PRODUCING A HOUSING SHELL OR EAR MOLD TO BE WORN IN THE EAR - The production of a hearing aid housing shell or ear mold that can be worn in the ear should be simplified and improved. For this, a prefabricated component, such as a frame for holding an electronics module or a receiver adapter, is positioned in a rapid prototyping instrument. There, the component is integrated into the housing shell or ear mold by the subsequent production of the housing shell or ear mold. This avoids connecting the component to the housing shell or ear mold in a further method step after producing the housing shell or ear mold. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110082577 | SHAPE SIMULATION APPARATUS, SHAPE SIMULATION PROGRAM, SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTION APPARATUS, AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PRODUCTION METHOD - Disclosed herein is a shape simulation apparatus including: a flux computation block configured to compute the flux of particles incident on the surface of a wafer covered with a mask; and a shape computation block configured to compute a surface shape of the wafer by allowing the coordinates of a plurality of calculation points established on the surface of the wafer to be time-evolved based on the incident flux computed. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110082578 | Process and System for Manufacturing a Customized Orthosis - A process and system for fitting, customizing and manufacturing an orthosis for a subject. 3-dimensional coordinates for a plurality of landmarks corresponding to anatomical characteristics of the subject, means for attachment of the orthosis to the subject, and a reference plane are digitally acquired. Then, coordinates of one or more virtual landmarks corresponding to one or more anatomical joint centers or joint projection locations are calculated. The landmarks are clinically aligned in a reference position of one of the anatomical joint centers and a customized digital model of the orthosis is created using the clinically aligned landmarks. Finally, the orthosis is fabricated using a computer aided manufacturing process, based upon an output from the customized digital model. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110087350 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING PRINTING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT MODELS - The present invention relates to a system and method of transforming an inconsistent 3D (three-dimensional) model of one or more 3D objects into a valid printable 3D model, said method comprising: (a) receiving an input model file and/or receiving modeler data, giving rise to an input 3D model having one or more parts; (b) analyzing said input 3D model and removing its one or more inconsistencies; (c) thickening the one or more parts of said 3D model, while preserving their functionality; and (d) unifying the union of interior volumes of said one or more parts, thereby removing self intersections and/or intersections between the two or more parts, giving rise to a valid printable 3D model. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087351 | CUSTOMIZED ARTIFICIAL NAIL - Method and system for designing and making one or more artificial nails customized to fit one or more real nails of a client are disclosed. Additionally, the invention enables customization or selection of decorative patterns for the artificial nail. The process begins with scanning one or more nails of the client with a scanner. The scanned image is then converted into a virtual three-dimensional surface model for each real nail. The virtual three-dimensional model of each nail is displayed on a monitor of a workstation. The user, e.g. a beautician at a beauty saloon, using the workstation and in consultation with the client, designs a customized artificial nail using the virtual three-dimensional model of the real nail. At the user command, the customized design of the artificial nail is then sent to a numerically controlled (NC) or a similar machine, where the artificial nail is made in accordance with the custom design. The artificial nail may be made from acrylic materials or other suitable materials. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087352 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR REPAIRING OBJECTS - A system is disclosed including a three-dimensional object having a non-conforming region, and a photogrammetry device adapted to scan the three-dimensional object. The system further includes optical reference targets and a controller structured to perform functions of repairing the three-dimensional object. The controller commands the photogrammetry device to scan the three-dimensional object, and calculates a nominal surface location and contour for the three-dimensional object. The controller further commands the photogrammetry device to scan the non-conforming region of the three-dimensional object, and calculates a material removal tool path comprising a path adapted to remove material from the object located beyond the nominal surface location and contour. The controller generates a solid model of the damaged region of the object based on the nominal surface location and contour, and computes a material addition tool path according to the solid model. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087353 | MODULAR LOW STRESS PACKAGE TECHNOLOGY - A method of designing a modular package: determining a package outline of a modular package assembly from package outline design data; determining seating plane and overall package length characteristics of the assembly from seating plane and package length design data; the design tool calculating minimum package height of the modular package assembly from the seating plane and package length design data; designing the dimensions and configuration of one or more subassemblies from subassembly design data; defining dimensions and configuration of a plurality of mechanical layers of a protective modular package cover given the defined package outline, the seating plane, overall package length, the minimum package height, and the subassemblies; defining an adhesive deposition strategy to join mechanical layers of the cover; designing the cover in accordance with the dimensions and configuration of the mechanical layers; and incorporating the assembly and the adhesive deposition strategy into a manufacturing assembly process. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087354 | MODELING SKIN-COVERED ROBOTICS DEVICES INCLUDING ARTISTIC DIGITAL ITERATIVE DESIGN PROCESSES - A method for fabricating a product, such as an animatronic character, with artificial skin. The method includes providing data defining an exterior surface geometry of the product. A base geometry model of the product is generated based on the exterior surface geometry data, which in turn is used to fabricate a prototype of the product. Then, an exterior skin mold is formed using the product prototype mounted on an alignment block. The method includes fabricating an inner support structure based on the base geometry model having an exterior geometry smaller than the 3D base geometry model by the thickness of the exterior skin. The inner support structure is positioned within the mold with the inner support structure mounted upon the alignment block, which is received in the mold. The product is formed by pouring material for an exterior skin layer into the mold and over the inner support structure. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110093105 | COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOMMENDING PART MATERIALS - A computer-implemented method for recommending one or more materials used in designing and manufacturing parts may include receiving data from at least three data sources. The data sources may include a sourcing, manufacturing, and design data source. The data source data may be standardized to obtain a collection of data including a dataset of materials for consideration in recommending one or more materials for use in one or more parts. The method may also include receiving optimization metrics and constraints for the dataset of materials. Optimization values for each material based on the dataset of materials and the one or more optimization metrics may be determined. An optimization algorithm on each material may be performed based at least on the optimization values and the constraints to obtain one or more recommended materials from the dataset of materials for use in a design of one or more parts. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110093106 | Manufacturability Evaluation of Injection Molded Plastic Models Using a CAD Based DFX Evaluation System - A method of automatic manufacturability evaluation of plastic models comprises generation of a likely pulling direction, recognition of common features on plastic parts, and then applying manufacturability rules The manufacturability rules can be specified and customized through user specified rule parameters and depend upon the geometric parameters of the recognized features. A system comprises a user interface for selection and customization of DFX (Design for ‘X’) rules for evaluation of a design. The system includes a user interface integrated with a CAD system for receiving the CAD data and displaying the results to the user. Geometry analysis engines are integrated into the system, for extracting the various features and corresponding parameters required as input to the manufacturability rules. The system further involves extensible interfaces for rules and analysis engines which allows users to write their own customized rules and engines and integrate these into the CAD based DFX evaluation system. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110125303 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING A REPRESENTATION OF A PRODUCT OR PROCESS - A product lifecycle management system cannot interact with 3D models and data representing a product or process that lacks information for creating a three-dimensional model in a seamless and uniform manner. Such incompatible data includes legacy and conceptual data. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided to create from such data, an intermediary representation that is compatible with the three-dimensional model domain but differs from a three-dimensional model that has real-world geometry of the product or process. The intermediary structure is formed in a manner that enables the product lifecycle management system to interact with the intermediary representation and three-dimensional models in a seamless and uniform manner, and is capable of being updated with real-world geometry of the product or process. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125304 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIA FOR DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING PROSTHETIC DENTAL ITEMS - A dental CAD/CAM system performs structural analyses of a candidate prosthetic dental item that is to be created using design data representing the prosthetic dental item. The dental CAD/CAM system can recommend positioning of a surface of the prosthetic dental item within a volume of a milling block based on the design data and data representing desired aesthetic properties of the prosthetic dental item. The dental CAD/CAM system can generate and display simulated images of the aesthetic properties of the prosthetic dental item using the design data, data representing the surface of the prosthetic dental item, data representing the volume of the milling block, and data representing aesthetic properties of the milling block. The dental CAD/CAM system can be used to form prosthetic dental items having complex aesthetic properties, such as translucent regions and shades of colors that vary spatially. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125305 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY FABRICATING A DENTAL SUPERSTRUCTURE FOR ATTACHMENT TO AN IMPLANT - A system for a dental superstructure to be attached to an implant using a digital model description of a shape of the superstructure, the superstructure including first and second elements. The system comprises a computing device arranged to (a) analyze a recorded real clinical situation or shaped clinical situation of an implant axis and insertion axis, (b) compute a shape of the dental superstructure based at least in part on the determined implant axis, (c) generate digital data representing the shape of the superstructure, and (d) separate the computed shape into first digital data representing a shape of the first element to be connected to the implant and second digital data representing a shape of the second element to be connected to the first element, the shape of the first element being optimized, at least in part, based on a tilt angle between the determined implant axis and insertion axis. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125306 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A BONE COMPLEMENT - A process for producing a bone complement to to be carried out as a pre-operatory surgical procedure that includes the following steps: a) submitting the patient to a computerized tomography scan, in order to obtain images of the site of the defect to be grafted; b) analyzing the images obtained in a specific software; c) after the evaluation and diagnosis through the images, promoting the virtual treatment of the defect through a specific image manipulation software; d) transferring the manipulated images to 3D prototype producing equipment; e) generating the bone complement in a biomaterial; and f) promoting the cellular enrichment of the bone complement. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110130854 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A MASTER DIE TOOL - A device and a method for the production of a master die tool for a component. The method includes the following steps: a) receiving or creating a CAD model of the component; b) deriving a surface model for the master die tool based on the CAD model of the component; c) creating the master die tool with NC machines using the surface model; d) producing an entity of the component using the master die tool; e) detecting the contours of the entity of the component by way of a computed tomography-based coordinate measuring device which supplies a 3D point cloud of surface points of the entity of the component; f) comparing the 3D points of the 3D point cloud to the CAD model, and determining whether any deviations exist beyond predetermined tolerance thresholds, and if this is the case g) modifying the surface model based on the deviations detected; h) reworking the master die tool or recreating the master die tool with the NC machines based on the modified surface model; i) repeating steps d) to h) until no more deviations exist beyond the predetermined tolerance thresholds. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110137442 | Method for digitally copying parts of existing stringed musical instruments such as violins, violas, or cellos - A process involving first obtaining X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) digital scans of existing stringed instruments. The images obtained from the scans are imported into a computer. Using a suitable software program, the digital scans are converted to Stereolithography (STL) files of the virtual object, which was scanned, such as parts of the existing stringed instruments. The digital STL files are imported into a computer, which is attached to a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine. Using a suitable software program, the CNC machine is programmed to carve the new parts of the scanned original stringed instruments. The resulting carved stringed instrument parts can be made into assembled new stringed instruments. The resulting assembled new instruments are accurate copies of the original stringed instruments that were scanned. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110137443 | Design Optimization System - In accordance with the objects of the present invention, a method of complex product design is provided. The method defines a product design space a base design analysis model is then automatically generated within the product design space. A topology optimization of the base design analysis model is performed including solving the topology optimization for multiple mass fractions to identify critical structure areas. The results of the topology optimizations are utilized to identify a plurality of load paths. An optimization of said plurality of load paths is performed to find the optimized load paths. Critical structure areas along the plurality of optimized load paths are then parameterized. An optimization is performed utilizing a multi-disciplinary optimization to optimize geometry, material and thickness along the optimized load paths. A manufacturing analysis of the shape optimized structure is performed and the shape optimized structure is modified to comply with manufacture requirements. An optimization is then performed using multi-disciplinary optimization comprising a gauge and grade optimization. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110144784 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMBEDDING AND USING INTELLIGENT PRODUCT MANUFACTURING INFORMATION STORED IN CAD MODEL OBJECTS - A method and corresponding CAD system and computer-readable medium. The method includes receiving a part definition for a first part model, the part definition including intelligent part manufacturing information (IPMI) data that defines requirements for at least one second part model in an assembly model. The method also includes placing the first part model in the assembly model. The method also includes processing the IPMI data, including transferring at least one requirement from the first part model to the second part model. The method can also include loading the IMPI from the second part model, wherein the IPMI loaded from the second part model is used for manufacturing a physical part corresponding to the second part model. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144785 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CUSTOMIZATION - A method of creating a triangulated surfaces for generating machine readable instructions for customization is provided. The method comprises selecting text or symbols. The text or symbols are spaced. The text or symbols are mapped between first and second curves. Triangulated surfaces are generated from the mapped text or symbols. The triangulated surfaces are converted to machine readable instructions. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110153052 | DESIGN-TO-ORDER PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT - Customization systems and methods are described in relation to performance devices and apparatus using a closed-loop feedback process for exploration, design and improvement of devices including performance devices. Crowdsourced knowledge bases, iterative improvements and centralized statistical, semantical and other technical analyses are employed to modify a baseline design. A baseline model defining modifications to a base device necessary to obtain a master device including modifications calculated to improve performance of the master device over the base device. Manufacturing instructions including CNC code can be produced and used to causes the production machine to manufacture the customized device. A design-to-order system is described as having of a simplified user interface, a queuing system, CAD/CAM capability and a repository of stored baseline models. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110160888 | METHOD PLANNING FOR MANUFACTURING SHEET-METAL FORMING PARTS - A method for computer-aided generation determining of a method plan for the manufacture of sheet-metal forming parts by way of forming processes, comprises the following steps:
| 06-30-2011 |
| 20110166682 | AUTOMATED GENERATION OF GARMENT CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION - Sketches, notes and 2D computer drawings of a designed garment can be input into a computing device. The computing device can apply optical character recognition, shape inference, figure recognition, domain intelligence and inferred knowledge to automatically generate a garment construction specification from the input information. The garment construction specification can include a detailed description of each component of the garment, followed by step-by-step instructions, such as could be consumed by a computer-controlled device, regarding the joining of the components to create the garment. A virtual garment generation mechanism can create a 3D rendering of the garment by constructing each component and then joining them together to act as a single 3D piece. Material behavioral properties can also be applied to the 3D rendering. User feedback regarding the 3D rendering can be utilized to create a modified garment construction specification which can ultimately, when approved, be provided to a garment manufacturer. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110172796 | WELDABILITY PREDICTION AND RECOMMENDATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In one or more embodiments, a weldability of a stack-up for use in vehicle part production may be determined. The determination may include receiving general stack-up information, welding standards data for forming a stack-up, and one or more inputs defining one or more stack-up design variables. Additionally, standardized stack-up information may be generated based on the general stack-up information, the one or more design variables, and the welding standards data. Furthermore, historical welding data may be received for predicting a weldability of the stack-up. Predictive logic may be applied to the standardized stack-up information based on the historical welding data to obtain one or more weldability predictions for the stack-up. The one or more weldability predictions may be transmitted for use in vehicle part production. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110172797 | Method of Making An Article of Footwear - A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110172798 | Structured Porosity or Controlled Porous Architecture Metal Components and Methods of Production - A method of forming a product such as a biomedical implant of Mg or Al includes computationally designing the product including a controlled porous architecture, producing a positive model of the product, infiltrating the model with a salt-containing paste, drying the paste, removing the material comprising the positive model leaving a negative salt template, infiltrating the salt template with molten Mg or Al or alloy, allowing the Mg or Al or alloy to solidify, and removing the salt template to leave the Mg or Al or alloy product with the controlled porous architecture. In some embodiments the method includes controlling the Mg or Al infiltration pressure to control the extent to which a texture or pattern of the internal surfaces of the model is imprinted on the internal surfaces of the end product. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110178621 | METHOD FOR GENERATING AND BUILDING SUPPORT STRUCTURES WITH DEPOSITION-BASED DIGITAL MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS - A method for generating data for a support structure to be built with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the method comprising generating a convex hull polygon based on a boundary polygon of a layer of the support structure, offsetting the convex hull polygon inward, offsetting the boundary polygon outward, and generating an intersection boundary polygon based at least in part on the offset boundary polygon and the offset convex hull polygon. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110202158 | METHOD OF DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING CAM DEVICE AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN-SUPPORT COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR THE SAME - There is provided a method of designing and manufacturing a cam device using a three-dimensional design-support computer program including a customer setup program for customers and a manufacture setup program for cam device manufactures being configured to generate different finenesses in 3D models and characteristic values of cam performance as a result of design of the cam device, and being configured to obtain a result which indicates the same cam device except for fineness and the required calculation items when the same parameters are loaded. The customer setup program is lent from the cam device manufacture to the customer, and detailed design to constructional details of the cam device is performed using the manufacture setup program on the basis of design data created using the customer setup program and handed to the cam device manufacturer, whereby the cam device is manufactured on the basis of a detailed design drawing. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202159 | COMPUTATIONAL METHOD FOR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS - A method for manufacturing an electrochemical cell. The method includes generating spatial information including an anode geometry, a cathode geometry, a separator geometry, and one or more current collector geometries. The method also includes storing the spatial information including the anode geometry, the cathode geometry, the separator geometry, and the one or more current collector geometries into a database structure. In a specific embodiment, the method includes selecting one or more material properties from a plurality of materials and using the one or more material properties with the spatial information in a simulation program. The method includes outputting one or more performance parameters from the simulation program. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110208339 | CUSTOMIZED INSTRUMENT EVALUATION AND ORDERING TOOL - A tool is provided to allow a user to customize the components of a vehicle instrument panel from an Internet-enabled Web site. A user can navigate to a Web site and select a vehicle for configuration. From the Web site, input may be obtained regarding the components and appearance of an instrument panel such as selecting particular types of components (e.g., display panels, gauges, etc.) and arranging where the selected components are to be located. The input generated by a user is translated into a build specification for assembling the instrument panel at the manufacturer. Accordingly, the system and method serve as an interface between the Web site that obtains user configuration data and a manufacturer's system that manages assembly of the vehicle. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110213480 | PARAMETRIC PRODUCT CONFIGURATION SYSTEM - A generic, integrated, parametric, automated product configuration system for parametric configuration of products such as offices on a building space plan. The system can produce bills of materials, costings and manufacturing drawings in real-time at the request of a user as the user specifies and configures the product components and parameters values. The system provides for real time three-dimensional visualization and editing of the product as it is configured. It also includes a rule engine for validating the product and automatically incorporating missing necessary components in a configuration in real-time as the user configures a product. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213481 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF FABRICATING PROTECTIVE MASKS FOR VEHICLES - The invention provides a method of controlling a machine for cutting out masks for protecting vehicle portions, which comprises the following operations:
| 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213482 | METHOD FOR DIGITAL MANUFACTURING OF JEWELRY ITEMS - In various embodiments, digital manufacturing of jewelry items is provided, including a physical process and software automation for implementing the physical process. Further, models formed during the process, as well as the resultant jewelry items, are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a digital model of the jewelry item, forming a physical model of the jewelry item based on the digital model, and manufacturing the jewelry item in a lost wax process using the physical model. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213483 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AUTOMATED HIGH SCALE FABRICATION OF CUSTOM ITEMS - Method and system for providing volume manufacturing of customizable items including receiving a data package including a plurality of manufacturing parameters, each of the plurality of manufacturing parameters associated with a unique item, verifying the received data package, and implementing a manufacturing process associated with the received data package is provided. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110230993 | DIGITAL PROCESSING METHOD AND DEVICE OF LARGE OR MEDIUM-SIZE SAND MOLD - A digital processing method of a large or medium-size sand mold includes inverting a three-dimensional CAD model of a mold into a numeric controlling code, putting a prepared sand blank on a hollow grid-shaped processing platform to proceed the digital milling procedure, bringing away waste sand generated during processing by high pressure gas blown out from a nozzle near a cutter and the waste sand entering to a collecting device below the processing platform. A device for carrying out the method is disclosed. The method and the device reduce the processing steps. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110245950 | VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - A system and method of design and construction of an interlocking vehicle body structure is provided. Each of the braces can be laser or water cut to enhance efficiency, and accuracy, of the design. Additionally, the braces can be equipped with notches, slots or tabs as appropriate so as to effect ease of construction and installation. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245951 | ASSISTED DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT AND REPLICATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of systems and methods for planning and/or delivering an oral or facial endosseous implantation in a patient are described. In certain embodiments, systems according to the invention include a processing module; a bone imaging module that communicates bone data about the patient to the processing module; a surface imaging module that communicates surface data about the patient to the processing module; and the processing module processes the bone data and the surface data into an output that includes three-dimensional (3-D) representation data indicative of at least one of an oral structure and a facial structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabrication module that produces a physical model based on the 3-D representation data and indicating a planned location of an endosseous implant. In certain embodiments, a system includes a surgical module that guides implantation of an endosseous implant based on the 3-D representation data. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245952 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR INCREASING EFFICIENCY IN RAPID PROTOTYPING PROCESSES - A system and methods for batch sorting objects and mapping the objects on a tray having a fixed dimension along an x-axis and a fixed dimension along a y-axis. Certain aspects of the present embodiments include (a) storing the objects in a queue; (b) sorting the objects in the queue according to a dimension of the objects; (c) mapping the objects sequentially into a first column of a plurality of columns on the tray until the first column is filled; (d) mapping the objects into a subsequent column until the subsequent column is filled; (e) repeating step (d) until only a last column in the plurality of columns remains to be filled, or until no more objects remain in the queue; and (f) mapping the objects into the last column in accordance with a column organization plan. In certain embodiments, at least one of the columns, and not necessarily the last column, includes objects mapped in accordance with a column organization plan. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110257775 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENCODING AND DECODING COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN FILES - A system includes an encoding module and a decoding module. The encoding module generates a three-dimensional (3D) model of a part, modifies the 3D model to include a 3D structure, and generates a computer-aided design (CAD) file based on the modified 3D model. The decoding module determines whether the CAD file includes the 3D structure, authorizes operation of analysis software on the CAD file when the CAD file includes the 3D structure, and prohibits operation of the analysis software when the CAD file does not include the 3D structure. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110257776 | SOFTWARE AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED PALLET INSPECTION AND REPAIR - An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110264253 | Forming Vehicle Body Models and Other Objects - A computer-implemented method for rapidly forming a vehicle body model includes identifying a vehicle design using a computer. Sectioning data is determined by sectioning the vehicle design into multiple virtual sections using a design program implemented on the computer. The sectioning data is used by a machine to form multiple modeling sections that correspond to the multiple virtual sections. The multiple modeling sections are nested together to form the vehicle body model. The multiple modeling sections are fixed together once the vehicle body model is formed. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110276159 | Computer-aided Fabrication Of A Removable Dental Prosthesis - A method and system for fabricating a dental prosthesis are provided. High resolution digital scanned images of a patient's oral structures are acquired. Three dimensional (3D) cone beam X-ray images of hard and soft oral tissues are acquired. The scanned images are integrated with the 3D cone beam X-ray images in a 3D space to obtain combined three dimensional images of the oral structures. The occlusal relationship between upper and lower oral structures are digitally simulated using the combined three dimensional images. The dental prosthesis is digitally modeled for planning intra-oral positioning and structure of the dental prosthesis. The digital dental prosthesis model is refined based on simulated force tests performed for assessing interference and retention of the digital dental prosthesis model. A prospective dental prosthesis model is created based on the refined digital dental prosthesis model. The dental prosthesis is fabricated based on a verified prospective dental prosthesis model. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110282473 | System and method for image segmentation in generating computer models of a joint to undergo arthroplasty - A custom arthroplasty guide and a method of manufacturing such a guide are disclosed herein. The guide manufactured includes a mating region configured to matingly receive a portion of a patient bone associated with an arthroplasty procedure for which the custom arthroplasty guide is to be employed. The mating region includes a surface contour that is generally a negative of a surface contour of the portion of the patient bone. The surface contour of the mating region is configured to mate with the surface contour of the portion of the patient bone in a generally matching or interdigitating manner when the portion of the patient bone is matingly received by the mating region. The method of manufacturing the custom arthroplasty guide includes: a) generating medical imaging slices of the portion of the patient bone; b) identifying landmarks on bone boundaries in the medical imaging slices; c) providing model data including image data associated with a bone other than the patient bone; d) adjusting the model data to match the landmarks; e) using the adjusted model data to generate a three dimensional computer model of the portion of the patient bone; f) using the three dimensional computer model to generate design data associated with the custom arthroplasty guide; and g) using the design data in manufacturing the custom arthroplasty guide. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282474 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FABRICATING A DENTAL COPING, AND A COPING FABRICATED THEREBY - A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110288667 | INDUSTRIAL ROBOT SYSTEM - Provided is an industrial robot system which enables a reduction in an installation/adjustment period, and an increase in a no-error continuous operation period, and includes an action planning section ( | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110295402 | DENTAL PROSTHESIS CONNECTOR DESIGN - Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for dental prosthesis connector design. Embodiments include providing a computer-based interface for manipulating a connector that connects a first dental restoration component and a second dental restoration component in a dental prosthesis; providing, via a cross-sectional representation of the connector, an acceptability design constraint for the connector, such as whether the connector meets production constraints and/or encompasses the intersection between neighboring teeth; modifying the connector based on operator input; determining whether the modified connector is acceptable with respect to the acceptability design constraint; and providing an acceptability indication for the modified connector, wherein said acceptability indication is determined based at least in part on whether the modified connector is acceptable with respect to the acceptability design constraint. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110320023 | System and Method for Identifying Defects of Surfaces Due to Machining Processes - Embodiments of the invention disclose a method for determining defects of a surface of a model of an object generated from a model of an original object by a simulation of a machining process. The method determines orientations and rate of change in the orientation of the surface based on normal vectors to the surface and identifies the defects of the surface based on the rate of change and a threshold. The threshold is determined based on the machining process. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320024 | OPTICAL ELEMENT OF LIGHTING DEVICE AND DESIGN METHOD OF THE SAME - An optical element of a lighting device and a design method of the same are revealed. The optical element is used together with a LED lighting part. The design method includes steps of providing a LED lighting part, selecting a suitable equation used in describing curves and surfaces for simulation test, substituting and changing a plurality of parameters in the equation to run simulation test of the light emitted from the LED lighting part for determining curves and surfaces of the incident surface and the emission surface that satisfy requirements of a specific light distribution pattern. The optical element features on that an air gap is between the incident surface and the LED lighting part. The slope of the incident surface and the slope of the emission surface are of opposite signs on the X-Z surface that passes the origin and γ angle is within 80 degrees around an optical axis of the LED lighting part. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320025 | METHOD OF MEASURING AN OVERLAY OF AN OBJECT - A method of measuring an overlay of an object is provided. In the method, first information of a first structure may be obtained. A preliminary structure may be formed on the first structure. Second information of the preliminary structure may be obtained. The first information and the second information may be processed to obtain virtual information of a second structure that would be formed on the first structure if a process is performed on the preliminary structure. A virtual overlay between the first structure and the second structure may be measured using the virtual information. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120004751 | APPLICATION OPERATION SIMULATION DEVICE - An application operation simulation device includes: a specification section that specifies positions of nozzles with respect to a spray device and injection shapes of injected materials; an interference point calculation section that performs a working program of a robot including instructions for outputting the injected materials and the like to operate a three-dimensional model of the robot by simulation and calculate interference points between three-dimensional models of the injection shapes and a three-dimensional model of an applied member every predetermined time period; an interference number calculation section that calculates the number of interference every predetermined time period at each interference point on a surface of the three-dimensional model of the applied member; an application time calculation section that calculates application time from the number of interference every predetermined time period; and a display section that displays the color-coded surface of the three-dimensional model of the applied member according to the application time. As a result, it is possible to accommodate the spray device provided with a plurality of nozzles and the application time of the injected material can be shortened. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004752 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND FORMATS FOR DATA, SUCH AS DATA USED IN LASER PROJECTION OF FASTENERS USED IN MANUFACTURING - A system and method provides data for a laser projection process used in manufacturing involving fasteners. For example, the laser projection process may include projecting a laser image associated with fasteners used to assemble objects. Fastener attribute data may be extracted from an engineer's design data and processed to generate a laser projection output file. This output file may include geometric data used to project a laser image associated with the fasteners. For example, this image may be an outline indicating the location, shape, and orientation of a fastener. The output file may also include non-geometric data associated with attributes of the objects to be assembled. Both the geometric and the non-geometric data can then be displayed in a user interface, such as a display screen of a laser projector control device, in addition to the display of the laser image in three-dimensional space. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120010739 | Design configurator system - The present invention relates to design and configuration engineering and more particularly to providing a Configurator system that automates aspects of the engineering design process. The Configurator System automates the configuration engineering process associated with creating new designs for customers based on a catalog of pre-designed options and can generate 2D drawings and 3D models necessary to manufacture the product in an automated fashion. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010740 | METHOD FOR PLACING AND MANUFACTURING A DENTAL SUPERSTRUCTURE, METHOD FOR PLACING IMPLANTS AND ACCESSORIES USED THEREBY - Method for placing and manufacturing a dental superstructure, method for placing implants, and accessories used in these methods. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010741 | Region-Based Supports for Parts Produced by Solid Freeform Fabrication - Methods for generating supports ( | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120022677 | SIMULATION METHOD, SIMULATION APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A simulation apparatus includes a storing unit that stores therein information about a shape of a blank piece to be cut out from raw wood, information about a final shape of a wooden piece obtained by compressing the blank piece, and image data of a surface of the blank piece. The apparatus also includes detecting unit that detects a knot appearing on the surface of the blank piece by image recognition using the image data; a shape estimating unit that estimates a shape of the detected knot using shape information on the blank piece; and a determining unit that determines, in accordance with the shape of the estimated knot, a cutting location and a cutting shape of the blank piece in such a manner that the cutting location and shape include a part and a thickness of the knot is substantially the same as that of the compressed blank piece. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120029674 | WELDING-LINE SELECTING METHOD - A welding line can be rapidly extracted using three-dimensional CAD data constituted of a large number of line sections containing welding line candidates. The method of choosing a welding line includes: a step (S | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029675 | NUMERICAL CONTROL PROGRAMMING METHOD, APPARATUS THEREFOR, AND PROGRAM FOR CAUSING A COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE METHOD - A level difference or a uncut portion is prevented from being left between adjoining worked regions without forming any useless worked region. A lathe sectional shape forming unit ( | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029676 | SELF DRAWING TOOL FOR A COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED AUTOMATED DESIGN, MODELING AND MANUFACTURING SYSTEM - A method and system for automatically generating a co-ordination drawing of a project is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes inputting parametric information, and accessing a file associated with a schematic drawing of a project and identifying a plurality of elements in the schematic drawing from the file. The method further includes obtaining geometrical and connectivity information associated with each of the plurality of elements by analyzing each of the plurality of elements. Additionally, the method includes selecting one or more predefined objects from a spatial database based on the geometrical and connectivity information associated with each of the plurality of elements and the inputted parametric information. The method further includes automatically generating a co-ordination drawing of the project using the one or more predefined objects, wherein the co-ordination drawing provides routing information of the plurality of elements in the project. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120035756 | POST CURE TIRE SIPING FOR PREVENTING IRREGULAR WEAR - Tires in use wear in a host of ways. One negative manner in which tires, especially truck tires, may wear is in an irregular fashion. When this phenomenon happens, the tread of the tire may become unusable, forcing the user to replace the tire, which is undesirable. This patent application poses a new and useful way of preventing irregular wear involving the addition of a predetermined configuration of pipes, increasing the useful life of the tire tread. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120046773 | MOLD DESIGN SYSTEM AND METHOD - A mold design system includes an electrode design module, and a central control module. The electrode design module generates a drawing of a mold based on electrode structure parameters. The central control module generates a computerized numerical control (CNC) task, a simulating task, and a testing task according to the drawing generated by the electrode design module. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120059499 | DESIGN AIDING DEVICE, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM IN WHICH DESIGN AIDING PROGRAM IS STORED - The design aiding device includes a processor that creates assembled model data, representing an assembled model that assumes arrangement of the part on the board, on the basis of the board data and the part data stored in the first storing section and the second storing section, respectively. The processor includes a recognizing section that recognizes a mounting face of a part model defined by the part data, the mounting face being mounted on a board model defined by the board data; and an arrangement processing section that creates the assembled model data by arranging the part model on the board model on the basis of the mounting face recognized by the recognizing section. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059500 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PORTIONING FOODSTUFF TO USER-SPECIFIED SHAPE - A system is provided for cutting a three-dimensional portion from a foodstuff. The system includes a conveyor for carrying a foodstuff to be portioned, a scanner located adjacent to the conveyor for scanning the foodstuff, a computer coupled to the scanner for receiving scan information from the scanner to determine one or more cutting paths for the foodstuff, and a cutter for portioning the foodstuff according to the one or more determined cutting paths. The computer is configured to perform generally four steps: (i) receiving scan information of the foodstuff from the scanner; (ii) building a three-dimensional map of the foodstuff based on the received scan information of the foodstuff; (iii) fitting at least one desired shape, which is stored in memory of the computer, onto the three-dimensional map in the memory of the computer; and (iv) determining one or more cutting paths to be used in portioning the foodstuff so as to produce one or more portioned foodstuffs corresponding to the at least one desired shape. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120065755 | FABRICATION OF NON-HOMOGENEOUS ARTICLES VIA ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL VOXEL-BASED MODELS - The invention provides systems and methods for manufacture of a non-homogeneous article using a 3D voxel-based model of the article and a rapid prototyping device. Use of a voxel-based model provides processing advantages and offers improved realism of the manufactured object with regard to non-homogeneous (i) color, (ii) translucency, and/or (iii) hardness, for example. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065756 | Methods of Designing and Manufacturing Customized Dental Prosthesis for Periodontal or Osseointegration and Related Systems - Methods of manufacturing dental prosthesis/implants each to replace a non-functional natural tooth positioned in a jawbone of a specific pre-identified patient are provided. An example method includes the steps of receiving imaging data such as x-ray image data and surface scan data of a dental anatomy and/or a physical impression of the dental anatomy of a specific preidentified patient. The steps can also include forming a three-dimensional virtual model of at least portions of a non-functional natural tooth positioned in the jawbone of the specific pre-identified patient based on the imaging and surface scan data, virtually designing a dental implant based upon the virtual model, exporting the data describing the designed dental implant to a manufacturing machine, and custom manufacturing the dental implant for the specific patient. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065757 | HONEYCOMB PACKING SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS - A system and method of forming a honeycomb structure includes selecting a desired honeycomb structure shape, forming a plurality of two dimensional sheets into desired two dimensional shapes corresponding to the selected honeycomb structure shape, stacking the plurality of two dimensional sheets, connecting the plurality of two dimensionally shaped sheets along corresponding connection lines and spreading the plurality of sheets apart. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120071998 | Point Cloud Generation System - A method, apparatus, and point cloud generation system for managing a point cloud. Vertices for a model of an object are identified. The object comprises a plurality of parts. Identifiers for the plurality of parts are associated with points in the point cloud using the vertices for the model of the object. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071999 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERED OBJECTS - A method of generating an engineered object is performed using the following steps. A request for proposal defining the engineered object is received. Components of the engineered object are defined. A cost estimate is generated based on at least one of the request for proposal, the components, and engineering rules and knowledge. An engineered product layout is generated based on at least one of the request for proposal and the engineering rules and knowledge. A proposal is generated based on the cost estimate and the engineered product layout. An order is generated based on the proposal. An object design is generated based on the proposal and the order. The engineered object is generated based on the object design. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120083913 | SEMICONDUCTOR LAYER FORMING METHOD AND STRUCTURE - A method of forming and electrical structure. The method includes determining that a first semiconductor device requires an engineering change order (ECO). An additional structure layer required to implement the ECO is determined. A first insertion point location for inserting the additional structure layer within the first semiconductor device is selected. The first insertion point location is associated with a second insertion point location within a design for a second semiconductor device. The second semiconductor device is generated in accordance with the first ECO. The second semiconductor device comprises second structures. The second structures comprise same structures as first structures in the first semiconductor device. The second structures are formed in locations within the second semiconductor device that are associated with locations in the first semiconductor device comprising the first structures. The second semiconductor device comprises the additional structure layer located within the second insertion point location. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120089241 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING PROBE OF WORKPIECE MEASURING DEVICE - A method simulates a probe of a workpiece measuring device using an electronic device. The electronic device correlates component names of the probe to a corresponding CAD modeling file, reads the CAD modeling files from a first file according to a drawing order of the probe, and draws a three-dimensional (3D) model of the probe according to the drawing order and the relative positions between each two components. The first file includes specifications of components of the probe, the component names, file names of computer aided design (CAD) modeling files of the components, and relative positions between each two components. After controlling the 3D model to simulate the probe measuring the measurement points, and a measurement path is displayed on a display screen. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089242 | AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMING APPARATUS AND AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMING METHOD - Automatic programming apparatus includes: a material shape data input unit that receives input of data of material shape; a processing program storage unit that stores therein data of material shape and processed unit data; a processed unit data input part that receives an input of other-processed-unit-reference-type processed unit data referencing processed region shape data contained in the processed unit data; a processed region shape generating unit that generates processed region shape data in the processed unit data for partial processing, based on data of material shape and processed region shape data referenced by other-processed-unit-reference-type processed unit data; and a control command generating unit that generates control command data, based on processed unit data for partial processing containing processed region shape data. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120109350 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATION OF A DYNAMICALLY CONFIGURABLE PRODUCT DESIGN - The present disclosure features methods and systems for creation of a dynamically configurable product design, sometimes referred to as business driven assemblies. Such product designs may be referred to as driven by a bill-of-materials (BOM) or selection of options by a customer, sales representative, or vendor, and may be performed responsive to a product lifecycle management (PLM) plan. The system allows a customer to define specifications of a product, and then dynamically generates a CAD model responsive to the defined specifications or selected options. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120116562 | Systems and methods Utilizing Patient-Matched Instruments - Patient-matched surgical instruments, and methods for making patient-matched surgical instruments, may include patient-matched surgical instruments having an anatomy facing side with several discrete, physically separate anatomy contacting portions configured to match the anatomy of a particular patient. The anatomy contacting portions may be one or more of non-uniform in distribution, non-uniform in shape or non-uniform in surface area. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120123576 | METHOD AND SYSTEM PROVIDING IMPROVED DATA MATCHING FOR VIRTUAL PLANNING - A scanning structure having at least one surface with a shape adapted to conform to a portion of a craniofacial space is described. The scanning structure includes at least one surface object, which is at least partly identifiable from a first set of data, and where a first coordinate is identifiable based on the surface object. The scanning structure includes at least one volume object, which is at least partly identifiable from a second set of data, and where a second coordinate is identifiable based on the volume object. The surface object can be arranged in relation to the at least one volume object such that the first coordinate and the second coordinate have a pre-defined relationship to each other. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123577 | CUSTOM ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE FORMING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method by which an orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for the scanning of the mouth of a patient to produce a three-dimensional digitized model of the shapes of the patient's teeth and their positions in the patient's mouth. The appliance is automatically designed according to the final design, which also can be interactively modified and approved by the orthodontist, with the computer recalculating the effects on the treatment as a result of the doctor's changes. Brackets are fabricated as an integrated set, either by cutting slots therein or by building the brackets in layers. Three-dimensional custom jigs are automatically made to exactly position the brackets on a patient's teeth. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120130521 | Visual Assembly Tool - An assembly model is identified including a plurality of part models. Each part model is a predefined, selectable model corresponding to at least one part in a plurality of assembly parts. The assembly model is presented and a sequence of user selections identifying part models in the assembly model are received through a user interface. User selections can correspond to designations of parts to be removed from the modeled assembly during a disassembly of the assembly. Selected part models are removed from the displayed presentation in response to corresponding user selections. A disassembly order is generated including an ordered grouping of disassembly steps, each disassembly step corresponding to a user selection of a part model in the sequence of user selections. The disassembly steps are ordered based on an order of selection of the corresponding part models. The order of the disassembly order is reversed and an assembly order is generated for the assembly from the reversed disassembly order. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120143364 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIA FOR DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING CUSTOM DENTAL PREPARATION GUIDES - A dental CAD/CAM system forms a custom dental preparation guide for guiding a dental tool that alters a shapes a tooth structure to which a custom prosthetic dental item is to be attached. The system acquires an optical measurement and an x-ray of at least one dental structure. The system correlates the acquired optical measurement and the x-ray to form a model of the at least one dental structure. The system generates a model of a reduced tooth structure based on the model of the at least one dental structure. The system also provides at least one dental preparation guide based on the model of the reduced tooth structure. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120165967 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING OBJECTS HAVING OPTIMIZED RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS - A method for manufacturing an object having a potential {x} which is generated in response to a field {f} applied thereto is provided. The method includes the step of designing a geometric model of the object. A computerized mathematical model of the object is generated by discretizing the geometric model of the object into a plurality of finite elements and defining nodes at boundaries of the elements, wherein values of the field {f} and potential {x} are specified at the nodes. A material property matrix [k] is then calculated based on the relationship {f}=[k] {x}. Material property coefficients are then extracted from the material property matrix [k] for each finite element in the computerized mathematical model and the extracted material property coefficients are compared to material property coefficients for known materials to match the extracted material property coefficients to the material property coefficients for known materials. Manufacturing parameters corresponding to the matched material property coefficients are then determined. The object is then manufactured in accordance with the determined manufacturing parameters. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120179282 | System and Method for Semiconductor Device Fabrication Using Modeling - In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes using a processor to generate a first three dimensional (3-D) resist profile for a first process condition using an layout mask of a target structure. The method further includes using a processor to generate a second 3-D resist profile for a second process condition using the layout mask. The first process condition includes a plurality of process variables, and the second process condition includes different values of the plurality of process variables than the first process condition. The method includes generating a 3-D process variable (PV) band profile by combining the first 3-D resist profile with the second 3-D resist profile and displaying a 3-D image of the 3-D PV band profile on a display. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120197422 | PRODUCT CUSTOMIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A product customization system and method are provided in which a consumer can insert user content, such as images or text, onto a product, such as a skateboard, and then view the customized product before purchasing the customized product. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120203365 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GENERATIVELY MANUFACTURING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL CODED CHARACTER - The present invention relates to a method and to a device for generatively manufacturing a three-dimensional object ( | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203366 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY FABRICATING A DENTAL SUPERSTRUCTURE FOR ATTACHMENT TO AN IMPLANT - A system for a dental superstructure to be attached to an implant using a digital model description of a shape of the superstructure, the superstructure including first and second elements. The system comprises a computing device arranged to (a) analyze a recorded real clinical situation or shaped clinical situation of an implant axis and insertion axis, (b) compute a shape of the dental superstructure based at least in part on the determined implant axis, (c) generate digital data representing the shape of the superstructure, and (d) separate the computed shape into first digital data representing a shape of the first element to be connected to the implant and second digital data representing a shape of the second element to be connected to the first element, the shape of the first element being optimized, at least in part, based on a tilt angle between the determined implant axis and insertion axis. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120221135 | ON-LINE SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING A DENTAL MOLD - An on-line system for manufacturing a dental mold is provided. In one embodiment, An on-line system for manufacturing a dental mold may comprise a user terminal configured to receive graphic data of a damaged tooth, a tooth adjacent to the damaged tooth and a tooth occluded with the damaged tooth, which are obtained by a 3D scanner, and to generate graphic data of a restoration tooth based on the received graphic data; a dental mold data management server configured to receive the graphic data of the restoration tooth from the user terminal; and one or more dental mold manufacturing apparatuses configured to receive the graphic data of the restoration tooth from the dental mold data management server and to manufacture the dental mold corresponding to the graphic data of the restoration tooth. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120232685 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPUTATIONALLY DEVELOPING MANUFACTURABLE AND DURABLE CAST COMPONENTS - A method and system for optimizing a simulated casting of a light weight alloy component. The simulation includes passing component design data through various computational modules relating to casting designs, process modeling and optimization, material microstructure and defects and product performance. Variations in microstructure and defects across various very small size scales are extended to increasingly larger scales to permit structural performance calculations of the cast component to take such non-uniformities into consideration. At least some of the modules employ an expert system-based approach to achieve the optimized results. The results can be compared to end user needs to determine if redesign of the part geometry or manufacturing process is needed. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120239177 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DESIGNING AND PRODUCING DENTAL PROSTHESES AND APPLIANCES - A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120253495 | DEFINING THE VOLUMETRIC DIMENSIONS AND SURFACE OF A COMPENSATOR - A compensator is used with a radiation therapy machine to treat a cancer patient. A three-dimensional surface of the compensator is defined by obtaining a radiation dose requirement created by a treatment planning system associated with the radiation therapy machine and determining a plurality of grid elements based on that radiation dose requirement. At least one of a plurality of points on each of the plurality of grid elements is connected with at least one of the plurality of points on another one of the plurality of grid elements to form a representation of the three-dimensional compensator. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120271443 | MANUFACTURABILITY EVALUATION OF INJECTION MOLDED PLASTIC MODELS USING A CAD BASED DFX EVALUATION SYSTEM - A method of automatic manufacturability evaluation of plastic models comprises generation of a likely pulling direction, recognition of common features on plastic parts, and then applying manufacturability rules The manufacturability rules can be specified and customized through user specified rule parameters and depend upon the geometric parameters of the recognized features. A system comprises a user interface for selection and customization of DFX (Design for ‘X’) rules for evaluation of a design. The system includes a user interface integrated with a CAD system for receiving the CAD data and displaying the results to the user. Geometry analysis engines are integrated into the system, for extracting the various features and corresponding parameters required as input to the manufacturability rules. The system further involves extensible interfaces for rules and analysis engines which allows users to write their own customized rules and engines and integrate these into the CAD based DFX evaluation system. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120290115 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED DENTAL GEOMETRY REPRESENTATION - A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including generic crown data, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image, which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290116 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING DATA FOR A DENTAL COMPONENT AND A PHYSICAL DENTAL MODEL - Methods for obtaining data and for manufacturing a dental component and a physical dental model of at least a part of a dental structure are provided which can improve processing times and provide sufficient manufacturing accuracy. An embodiment of the method can comprise obtaining a first data record for manufacturing the dental component and a second data record for manufacturing the physical dental model. The first data record can comprise data based on a portion of a digital dental model. The second data record can comprise data based on at least the portion of the digital dental model. In this regard, the data upon which the first and second data records are based can be obtained using first and second scanning resolutions in order to improve processing times and provide sufficient accuracy. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120296460 | Bonded Rework Template System - A method and apparatus for processing an inconsistency. A shape of the inconsistency is identified in a location having layers of composite materials. A model of the location is created with a portion of a number of layers in the layers of composite materials removed to form a section based on the shape of the inconsistency and a policy for rework. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120310399 | PRE-OPERATIVE PLANNING AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR ORTHOPEDIC PROCEDURE - A pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic surgery includes obtaining pre-operative medical image data representing a joint portion of a patient. The method also includes constructing a three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion and manufacturing a patient-specific alignment guide for the joint portion from the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion when the image data is sufficient to construct the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion. The patient-specific alignment guide has a three-dimensional patient-specific surface pre-operatively configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the joint portion of the patient in only one position relative to the joint portion. The method further includes determining, from the image data, a size of a non-custom implant to be implanted in the patient and manufacturing the non-custom implant when there is insufficient image data to construct the patient-specific alignment guide therefrom. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120310400 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ARTHROPLASTY JIGS - Disclosed herein is a method of computer generating a three-dimensional surface model of an arthroplasty target region of a bone forming a joint. The method may include: generating two-dimensional images of at least a portion of the bone; generating an open-loop contour line along the arthroplasty target region in at least some of the two-dimensional images; and generating the three-dimensional model of the arthroplasty target region from the open-loop contour lines. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120316666 | DIGITALLY DESIGNED SHIMS FOR JOINING PARTS OF AN ASSEMBLY - A method assembling parts uses a shim for filling a void between interfacing part surfaces. The surface profile of each of the part surfaces is determined and a digital volume is generated that substantially matches the void. A three dimensional digital representation of the shim is generated by mapping the part surface profiles onto the digital volume. The shim is fabricated using the three dimensional representation of the shim. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120316667 | Visual Change Cue For Communicating Manufacturing Issues Of A Custom Part - Any issues associated with manufacture of a part are identified and highlighted on a part rendering. A software method and system then uses a visual change cue on the part rendering for communicating the manufacturability issues to the customer. The preferred visual change cue is a throbbing of the highlighting of the manufacturability issue, with the throbbing occurring in both color intensity and size. The part rendering depicts the part translucently, so throbbing manufacturability issues can be readily identified even if obscured behind a more-forward face of the part. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120323352 | SINGULAR AND CO-MOLDED PRE-FORMS - Molded pre-forms that are used to protect electronic components and assemblies from damage due to vibration, shock and/or thermal exposure. The pre-forms can be singularly molded or co-molded. Co-molded pre-forms can include hard surface layers over softer molded compositions. The pre-forms are molded in molds that are formed using modified images obtained from printed circuit boards having the electronic components thereon. Images of the printed circuit boards are obtained and modified to improve vibrational dampening and/or heat transfer. The molded pre-forms allow for access to the printed circuit boards for purposes of replacing or repairing the printed circuit boards. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20130006407 | Method Of Making An Article Of Footwear - A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130018497 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING AN IMPLANT - A computer implemented method for determining the 3-dimensional shape of an implant to be implanted into a subject includes obtaining a computer readable image including a defective portion and a non-defective portion of tissue in the subject, superimposing on the image a shape to span the defective portion, and determining the 3-dimensional shape of the implant based on the shape that spans the defective portion. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018498 | System for Designing a Customized Article of Footwear - A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130041494 | ALIGNMENT DATA BASED PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM - Deformation of a substrate due to one or more processing steps is determined by measuring substrate alignment data at lithographic processing steps before and after the one or more processing steps. Any abnormal pattern in the alignment data differential is identified by comparing the calculated alignment data differential with previous data accumulated in a database. By comparing the abnormal pattern with previously identified tool-specific patterns for alignment data differential, a processing step that introduces the abnormal pattern and/or the nature of the abnormal processing can be identified, and appropriate process control measures can be taken to rectify any anomaly in the identified processing step. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130060368 | VOLUMETRIC CUT PLANNING - Methods for computer-aided manufacturing and design, and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a three-dimensional (3D) solid part model and an associated 3D solid blank. The method includes defining an initial in-process workpiece (IPW) as the same as the 3D solid blank, and defining a cut volume in-process feature to be removed from the IPW. The method includes removing the cut volume in-process feature from the IPW. The method can include calculating and storing the cut volume in-process feature or the updated IPW with the removed cut volume in-process feature. The updated in-process workpiece can be calculated and displayed for each state at all times, in various embodiments. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130060369 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR AN AUTOMATED MACHINE - A system and a method for generating instructions for an automated machine adapted for performing a given process on an object are disclosed. The method comprises providing process data representative of the given process to perform; acquiring 3D geometrical data of a portion of the object; generating a model of the portion of the object using the acquired 3D geometrical data; generating a set of instructions for the automated machine according to the generated model and the process data; and providing the set of instructions to the automated machine for performing the given process on the portion of the object. The method may be adapted for cost-effectively automating the manufacturing of a unitary object while taking into consideration actual deformations of the object prior to generate the instructions for the automated machine. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130073068 | SOLID FREEFORM FABRICATION USING A PLURALITY OF MODELING MATERIALS - A system and methods for solid freeform fabrication of an object is disclosed. The system comprises a solid freeform fabrication apparatus having a plurality of dispensing heads, a building material supply apparatus configured to supply a plurality of building materials to the fabrication apparatus, and a control unit configured for controlling the fabrication apparatus and the supply apparatus based on an operation mode selected from a plurality of predetermined operation modes. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130085590 | SYNTHETIC BONE MODEL AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SAME - A method for providing a synthetic bone model of a subject bone includes providing a file with data representing a three-dimensional subject bone. Manufacturing instructions are generated based upon at least a portion of the data. The manufacturing instructions are transferred to a manufacturing device. A thin-walled outer shell of the synthetic bone model is created directly from the manufacturing instructions using the manufacturing device. The outer shell defines an inner cavity. A filler material is placed within at least a portion of the inner cavity. A synthetic bone model is also disclosed. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085591 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR FORMING A DENTAL MODEL - The invention relates to a method for forming a physical or virtual dental model as an aid to the production of a dental prosthesis taking account of the shape of at least one tooth stump present in an upper or lower jaw, of points of contact with the teeth adjacent to the at least one tooth stump, and of the occlusal surface of at least one opposing tooth in the region of the field of movement of the dental prosthesis to be disposed on the at least one tooth stump using digital data relating to the upper and lower jaw measured in a contact-free manner. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130096708 | Systems And Methods For Construction Of An Instruction Set For Three-Dimensional Printing Of A User-Customizableimage Of A Three-Dimensional Structure - Systems and methods for construction of an instruction set for three-dimensional printing of a user-customizable image of a three-dimensional structure are provided. Methods can include receiving user input for customizing an image of a three-dimensional structure, control circuitry constructing an instruction set for the customized image of the three-dimensional structure, and control circuitry rendering the instruction set into a printable file usable by a three-dimensional printer. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130103175 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING APPLIANCES FOR REPOSITIONING TEETH - A method for generating digital data sets is provided. The method includes: obtaining a first digital data set representing a first tooth arrangement; providing at least one operator for modifying a digital data set representing a tooth arrangement; providing target data which represents orthodontic treatment requirements; generating a second digital data set representing a second tooth arrangement based on the first digital data set using a state space search method and the at least one operator; determining whether the second tooth arrangement meets the treatment requirements; generating a N | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130103176 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FABRICATING A DENTAL COPING, AND A COPING FABRICATED THEREBY - A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130103177 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCUMULATIVE DOUBLE SIDED INCREMENTAL FORMING - A forming system includes first and second tools, moving assemblies, and a control unit. The moving assemblies move the first tool and the second tool relative to the sheet. The control unit is configured to control movement of the first tool and the second tool by the one or more moving assemblies by moving at least one of the first tool or the second tool in a first deformation direction to deform the sheet, then moving the first and second tools laterally relative to the sheet to a subsequent location while engaging the sheet, then moving at least one of the first tool or the second tool in the first deformation direction or an opposite second deformation direction to deform the sheet, and then continue moving the first and second tools to deform the sheet in order to create a three-dimensional component from the sheet. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130138234 | MEDIA-BASED SYSTEM FOR FORMING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS - Embodiments described herein are directed to generating physical three-dimensional color-accurate objects based on a 3D computer-based color model using printed layers of media. Embodiments can slice a 3D computer-based color model into 3D cross-sectional components, which retain the color information of the model. The 3D cross-sectional segments can be converted into 2D page images and the color information can be included in a plan image corresponding to the cross-sectional segments. Embodiments can print the page images to form cross-sectional prints which can be layered and trimmed to shape the prints into a color accurate physical object that represents the model. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130144417 | METHOD AND CLAMPING FIXTURE FOR THE PRODUCING OF A DENTAL DRILLING TEMPLATE - A method for producing a dental drilling template from a blank comprising a pilot borehole and a contact surface using a fabricating device and a virtual 3D drilling template model of the drilling template, said virtual 3D drilling template model comprising a virtual pilot borehole extending along a pilot borehole axis and a virtual contact surface. The method comprises virtually disposing said virtual 3D drilling template model within a 3D blank model of the blank to machine the drilling template from the blank in accordance with the shape and position of said virtual 3D drilling template model within said 3D blank model and applying a mark at a penetration point relevant to said pilot borehole axis on an external surface of said 3D blank model. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144418 | PLANAR MANUFACTURING DRAWING PRODUCTION SUPPORT DEVICE, PLANAR MANUFACTURING DRAWING PRODUCTION SUPPORT METHOD, PLANAR MANUFACTURING DRAWING PRODUCTION SUPPORT PROGRAM AND BRANCH ANGLE DESIGN SUPPORT DEVICE - The present invention aims to improve accuracy of a planar manufacturing drawing used to instruct manufacture of a three-dimensional structure in a planar form. According to path plan information is acquired by a path plan information acquisition unit | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130150994 | METHOD OF CARVING THREE-DIMENSIONAL ARTWORK - A method of producing intricate, three-dimensional artwork requiring high resolution on the part of a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine is disclosed. An existing three dimensional carving is captured by a computer, and converted into a NURBS surface. The operator sets forth the dimensions of the surface to be carved, including the width and the length, as well as the width of its component stiles and rails. The operator further selects the corners of such surface in which the artwork is to be carved. Thereafter, the NURBS surface is scaled and positioned in accordance with the dimensions and parameters supplied, and transmitted to respective CNC machines. The CNC machines then perform a series of carving operations in accordance with the instructions supplied by a G-code file processed from the NURBS surfaces. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130158694 | Integrated Support Device For Providing Temporary Primary Stability to Dental Implants and Prosthesis, and Related Methods - Integrated support devices for providing temporary primary stability to a dental prosthesis implant, each individually designed and manufactured for a specific pre-identify patient are also provided. An integrated support device can include a prosthesis interface member configured to connect to an abutment or reduced sized portion of a dental prosthesis/implant. The integrated support device also includes one or more bonding wings for connecting to the adjacent healthy teeth. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130173040 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JEWELRY DESIGN - A system for designing a customized ring may include a ring style selection component, a ring top design component, a ring side design component, and an image panel component where, the components support an interface for monitoring the progress of the ring design and an image panel may show an image of the ring that is periodically updated based on customization input. A system for creating and displaying ring assets may include an extraction component, a rendering component, and a display component. A system for displaying customized bezel text may include a text mapping module configured to receive bezel parameters, map text in a two dimensional space, map text in a three-dimensional space defined by bezel geometry, develop code for displaying the text, and displaying the text. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130184846 | USING DYNAMIC DATA TO DETERMINE A MATERIAL PROFILE FOR EARPIECE - The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain dynamic three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130190912 | METHOD OF NUMERICAL-CONTROL SCRAPING OF A WORK PIECE - A method of numerical-control scraping of a work piece has a preparing step, a scanning step, a flatness-parameter inputting step, a surface-finishing step, a related-parameter inputting step, an auto-scraping step and an analyzing step. The preparing step comprises preparing a multi-axis machine tool, a laser displacement meter, an auto scraping apparatus and a computer. The scanning step comprises scanning the work piece. The flatness-parameter inputting step comprises inputting a flatness-parameter. The surface-finishing step comprises calculating out the to-be-scraped ranges of the work piece and scraping the work piece. The related-parameter inputting step comprises inputting desired PPI and POP in the computer, calculating out the HOP, the DOS and the oil content to obtain the length, the width and the depth of a single scraping process. The auto-scraping step comprises scraping the work piece to meet the requirement. The analyzing step comprises detecting the 3D-appearance drawing of the work piece. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130231768 | MATERIAL TEMPLATES FOR AUTOMATIC ASSIGNMENT OF MATERIALS TO A 3D CAD MODEL - The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus that include a novel way of automatically assigning materials to 3D CAD models. A predefined material template specifies that a particular part or material name is assigned to a particular material such that all instances of the particular part name are assigned or modified automatically by the material template. By having a consistent naming convention for the parts in the CAD file, this material assignment can be performed automatically when the CAD file is imported or viewed. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130245800 | METHOD OF PRODUCING KITTING FOAM - A method of producing a kitting foam, a kitting foam produced by such a method and a system for performing such a method is provided. Once a 2.5-dimensional computer model has been created using a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) package in computer | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130245801 | Personalized Fit and Functional Designed Medical Prostheses and Surgical Instruments and Methods for Making - Methods, devices and systems for virtual, remote and real-time collaboration between surgeons and engineers using system learning and intelligent and timely disbursement of design and performance information to engineering teams embarking on the preliminary design event of a personalized orthopedic implant or personalize surgical instrument utilizing a case-based reasoning expert system. Additive manufacturing technology and statistically controlled advanced manufacturing processes quickly produce personalized medical devices worldwide. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130245802 | APPARATUS FOR THE LIGHTENING OF PANELS OR THIN PLATES BY REMOVAL OF MATERIAL - An apparatus for lightening of thin, flexible and shaped workpieces by removal machining of material from surfaces thereof, on a machining unit has a worktable and counterthrust means, which rest against a part of the surface of the workpiece opposed to the one on which said tool must work. The worktable includes supporting means of the workpiece to be machined, and gripping means designed to support the workpiece during its machining independently from said supporting means. The counterthrust means include a board movable according to several axes and carrying a plurality of supporting elements. The supporting elements can be individually translated or in groups between a draw-in position and an extended position to define a supporting plane depending on the shape of the surface of the workpiece against which the counterthrust means must rest. A method is also included for mapping the workpiece surface by means of the supporting elements. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130245803 | IMPLANT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURE - A knee implant includes a femoral component having first and second femoral component surfaces. The first femoral component surface is for securing to a surgically prepared compartment of a distal end of a femur. The second femoral component surface is configured to replicate the femoral condyle. The knee implant further includes a tibial component having first and second tibial component surfaces. The first tibial component surface is for contacting a proximal surface of the tibia that is substantially uncut subchondral bone. At least a portion of the first tibial component surface is a mirror image of the proximal tibial surface. The second tibial component surface articulates with the second femoral component surface. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130253682 | LASER PROJECTION SYSTEM USING VARIABLE PART ALIGNMENT - A method of projecting a template on a workpiece provides a measurement system for determining a location of a workpiece and a laser projector for projecting a laser template. A feature on the workpiece having geometric significance is identified. A physical location of the feature in a three dimensional coordinate system is determined and compared to a theoretical location of the feature on computer model of the workpiece. A template correlated to the feature is selected. The projection of the template onto the workpiece relative to the feature is optimized by correlating alignment of the physical location of the feature with the computer model of the feature. The template is projected onto the workpiece based upon the optimized projection for directing work to be performed on the workpiece. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130253683 | Cut-Fold Shape Technology for Engineered Molded Fiber Boards - A three-dimensional engineered shaped fiber configuration is formed using determined structural requirements for a three-dimensional engineered shaped fiber configuration and ascertained properties of an engineered molded fiber fiberboard material. A first cut on a top surface and a second cut on a bottom surface of the fiberboard material are calculated. These calculations are based, at least in part, on the structural requirements properties of the fiberboard material. The first cut and the second cut each have a depth, a width, and a position. The first cut and the second cut have a spacing between them such that the flat piece of fiberboard material can be folded at a point located in the spacing between the first cut and second cut to position a first portion of the fiberboard material at a particular angle with respect to a second portion of the fiberboard material. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130274907 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CUSTOMIZATION - A method of creating a triangulated surfaces for generating machine readable instructions for customization is provided. The method comprises selecting text or symbols. The text or symbols are spaced. The text or symbols are mapped between first and second curves. Triangulated surfaces are generated from the mapped text or symbols. The triangulated surfaces are converted to machine readable instructions. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130297058 | DECOMPOSITION OF 3D GEOMETRY INTO DEVELOPABLE SURFACE PATCHES AND 2D CUT PATTERNS - Embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for decomposing 3D geometry into developable surface patches and cut patterns. In one embodiment, a decomposition application receives a triangulated 3D surface as input and determines approximately developable surface patches from the 3D surface using a variant of k-means clustering. Such approximately developable surface patches may have undesirable jagged boundaries, which the decomposition application may eliminate by generating a data structure separate from the mesh that contains patch boundaries and optimizing the patch boundaries or, alternatively, remeshing the mesh such that patch boundaries fall on mesh edges. The decomposition application may then flatten the patches into truly developable surfaces by re-triangulating the patches as ruled surfaces. The decomposition application may further flatten the ruled surfaces into 2D shapes and lay those shapes out on virtual sheets of material. A person, or machinery, may cut out those shapes from physical sheets of material based on the layout. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297059 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING PREPARATION - Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for preparing geometry for 3D printing. In one embodiment, a 3D printing preparation application receives 3D geometry and repairs non-manifold edges and non-manifold vertices, producing a topological manifold geometry. The 3D printing preparation application then welds coincident edges without coincident faces and fills holes in the geometry. The 3D printing preparation application may further perform resolution-aware thickening of the geometry by estimating distances to a medial axis based on distances to distance field shocks, and advecting the distance field using a velocity field. A similar approach may be used to perform resolution-aware separation enforcement. Alternatively, one component may be globally thickened and subtracted from another for separation enforcement. The 3D printing preparation application may also split large models and add connectors for connecting the split pieces after printing. In addition, the 3D printing preparation application may generate a 3D print preview. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130310963 | METHOD OF SURGICAL PLANNING - A method of pre-operatively forming a surgical splint configured to receive a patient's dentition can include combining a 3-D facial computer model and a 3-D dental computer model. The method includes the step of obtaining a 3-D facial computer model of at least the patient's maxilla, mandible, and dentition from a CT scanner and the step of obtaining a 3-D dental computer model of the patient's dentition with an optical scanner. The 3-D dental computer model is then combined with the 3-D facial computer model to form a composite virtual model. The composite virtual model can be manipulated into a planned post-operative shape, and a surgical splint can be custom constructed to match the planned post-operative shape. The surgical splint can be configured to receive the patient's dentition. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130345845 | ARTHROPLASTY SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate a bone model, wherein the bone model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of a bone of a patient joint to undergo an arthroplasty procedure; generate an implant model, wherein the implant model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of an arthroplasty implant to be used in the arthroplasty procedure; assess a characteristic associated with the patient joint; generate a modified joint surface of the implant model by modifying at least a portion of a joint surface of the implant model according to the characteristic; and shape match the modified joint surface of the implant model and a corresponding joint surface of the bone model. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140018948 | Pre-Operative Planning And Manufacturing Method For Orthopedic Procedure - A pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic surgery includes obtaining pre-operative medical image data representing a joint portion of a patient. The method also includes constructing a three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion and manufacturing a patient-specific alignment guide for the joint portion from the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion when the image data is sufficient to construct the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion. The patient-specific alignment guide has a three-dimensional patient-specific surface pre-operatively configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the joint portion of the patient in only one position relative to the joint portion. The method further includes determining, from the image data, a size of a non-custom implant to be implanted in the patient and assembling a surgical kit including the non-custom implant when there is insufficient image data to construct the patient-specific alignment guide therefrom. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140025188 | DESIGN-TO-ORDER PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT - Customization systems and methods are described in relation to performance devices and apparatus using a closed-loop feedback process for exploration, design and improvement of devices including performance devices. Crowdsourced knowledge bases, iterative improvements and centralized statistical, semantical and other technical analyses are employed to modify a baseline design. A baseline model defining modifications to a base device necessary to obtain a master device including modifications calculated to improve performance of the master device over the base device. Manufacturing instructions including CNC code can be produced and used to causes the production machine to manufacture the customized device. A design-to-order system is described as having of a simplified user interface, a queuing system, CAD/CAM capability and a repository of stored baseline models. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140039658 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WEARABLE INJECTION GUIDES - Systems and methods for wearable injection guides are described, which include: acquiring one or more digital images of a body region of an individual with at least one image capture device; creating a digitally rendered model of a wearable injection guide from the one or more digital images of the body region of the individual; adding one or more digitally rendered fiducials indicative of at least one treatment parameter to the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide; and forming the wearable injection guide from the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide, the formed wearable injection guide including one or more fiducials corresponding to the one or more digitally rendered fiducials on the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039659 | FABRICATION OF OBJECTS WITH ENHANCED STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS - A source model describing a modeled object is identified. A preliminary fabrication model is automatically identified from the source model. A structural analysis of the fabrication model is automatically performed, resulting in the identification of a critical point and a corresponding failure mode at the critical point. The preliminary fabrication model is automatically modified to adjust the structural integrity of the modeled object with respect to the failure mode at the critical point, thereby producing an updated fabrication model. The object is printed on a three dimensional printer using the updated fabrication model. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140052285 | METHOD FOR SPECIFYING AND FABRICATING AN OBJECT, ASSOCIATED APPARATUS, AND APPLICATIONS - A method for specifying and fabricating non-homogeneous, anisotropic, truly functionally graded objects. The objects may have defined spatial heterogeneity (e.g., a gradient in material concentration) with local randomized distributions. This local randomness is designed in such a way that global averaging results in the specified spatial heterogeneity. The fabrication of structures is an additive process in which a material is deposited in defined patterns. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140067106 | Computer-Implemented Methods for Generating 3D Models Suitable for 3D Printing - Computer-implemented processes for allowing a user with limited technical knowledge to easily design 3D models. The 3D models generated by such processes may be 3D printed, as the models are solid, which is necessary for 3D printing. Each of these computer-implemented processes takes a small amount of simplified user input and generates one of a number of different 3D models. More specifically, based on the user input, the computer-implemented processes automatically generate CAD primitives, and automatically perform certain CAD operations on those primitives, such that a 3D model is generated. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067107 | Process and System for Generating a Specification for a Customized Device, and Device Made Thereby - A process and system for generating a specification for customized devices, such as rehabilitation or assistive devices, including prostheses and orthoses, or sports padding or equipment. A digital model, which is fully parameterized at least for characterizing clinical shape characteristics and functional characteristics of the device, is populated with a plurality of design parameter values and 3-dimensional coordinates of captured and calculated virtual landmarks to construct a customized model corresponding to the specification. The customized device may be manufactured based upon the specification. A system connected to a computer aided manufacturing system may generate instructions for automatically fabricating the device. In embodiments with standardized design parameter values, the customized model may be constructed without involving a human operator. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140074273 | HANDHELD DEVICE RENDERING OF PLANT MODEL PORTION BASED ON TASK - A method of operating an industrial plant having processing units on a production floor which includes a wireless network including a network server having stored a two-dimensional (2D) plantwide model and a 3D plantwide model showing the processing units. At least a first worker is on the production floor. The first worker is provided a first handheld computing device having a wireless transceiver, a processor programmed to implement a model rendering algorithm stored in an associated memory, and a display. Based on a task defined for the first worker to execute involving at least a first processing unit of the processing units, a model portion of the 2D plantwide model or 3D plantwide model involved in the task including the first processing unit is identified. An image representation of the model portion is then rendered on the display. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140081440 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING TRIM LINES FOR CRANIAL REMODELING DEVICES - A method for manufacturing a custom cranial remodeling device of a type comprising plastic material is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a first database of three-dimensional digital surface images of trim lines for cranial remodeling devices of a first type; providing a second database of three-dimensional digital surface images of trim lines for cranial remodeling devices of a second type; providing a first program for creating trim lines for a cranial remodeling device of the first type, the first program utilizing the first database; providing a second program for creating trim lines for a cranial remodeling device of the second type, the second program utilizing the second database; generating a three-dimensional model of a desired head shape; forming the plastic material onto the model; and selecting one of the first or the second programs to generate trim lines for the cranial remodeling device. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081441 | Generation Of Tool Paths For Shoe Assembly - A tool path for treating a shoe upper may be generated to treat substantially only the surface of the shoe bounded by a bite line. The bite line may be defined to correspond to the junction of the shoe upper and a shoe bottom unit. Bite line data and three-dimensional profile data representing at least a portion of a surface of a shoe upper bounded by a bite line may be utilized in combination to generate a tool path for processing the surface of the upper, such as automated application of adhesive to the surface of a lasted upper bounded by a bite line. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140107823 | 3D PRINTING SHRINKAGE COMPENSATION USING RADIAL AND ANGULAR LAYER PERIMETER POINT INFORMATION - Errors caused by shrinkage during 3D printing may be minimized. A shape that most closely corresponds to the shape of a layer to be printed may be selected from a library of shapes. Each shape in the library may have shrinkage information associated with it that includes, for each of multiple points that define a perimeter of the library shape, a radial distance to the point from an origin of a coordinate system, an angle the radial distance makes with respect to an axis of the coordinate system, and information indicative of an anticipated amount by which the point will deviate from its specified location when the shape is printed due to shrinkage. Compensation for anticipated shrinkage may be calculated based on the shrinkage information that is associated with the selected shape from the library. The information indicative of the shape of the layer to be printed may be modified to minimize errors cause by shrinkage based on the calculated compensation. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140114457 | Customized Shoe Textures And Shoe Portions - A shoe with a three-dimensional (3-D) surface texture created using rapid manufacturing techniques is provided. A plurality of 3-D surface texture options is presented on a user interface; each of the options is associated with one of a plurality of 3-D surface textures to be applied to a portion of a shoe. A selection of a 3-D surface texture is received and is used in part to generate a design file. The design file is used to instruct a rapid manufacturing device to manufacture the portion of the shoe comprised of the 3-D surface texture using a rapid manufacturing technique. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140114458 | MACHINING SIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A machining simulation device includes a local-region setting unit that sets a local region for a workpiece, an offset-deformation processing unit that offsets and deforms a shape of a part of a whole three-dimensional shape model of the workpiece, for which the local region is set, and generates a local three-dimensional shape model of the workpiece, a local tool-movement-data output unit that outputs local tool movement data from whole tool movement data based on a tool model and movement path data of a tool, a local cutting-deformation processing unit that cuts and deforms the local three-dimensional shape model of a workpiece based on the local tool movement data, and a display superimposing unit that superimposes the cut and deformed local three-dimensional shape model of the workpiece on the whole three-dimensional shape model of the workpiece, and displays the superimposed result. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140121800 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR APPLYING AN ADAPTIVE PERFORATION CUT TO A SUBSTRATE - A method and system automatically and dynamically updates the design of perforation lines in a package design file. It identifies an edge between two facets to which a perforation line is to be applied, determines a length of the edge, and uses the length of the edge and a default cut segment length to determine a number of cut segments that will be included in the perforation line. The method and system also may determine a phasing for the perforation line to ensure that the ends of the line are either a cut or spacer, depending on the desired function or placement of the line. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140121801 | COMPUTER PRODUCT, ASSEMBLY SEQUENCE GENERATING APPARATUS, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD - An assembly sequence generating apparatus includes a computer that has a display control unit ( | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140129018 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PROMOTE THE INCORPORATION OF UNUSED SUBSTRATE AREAS INTO ORNAMENTAL PACKAGES - A package generation system allows a user to add an ornamental structure to a package flat by receiving a package design file containing data representing package characteristics. The system uses the package design file to identify a two-dimensional layout of the package. The system identifies: (i) a first area of a substrate that will form a two-dimensional flat of a package; (ii) an unused area of the substrate that will not form part of the package; and (iii) an ornamental structure that is attachable to a facet of the package and which fits within a portion of the unused area adjacent to the facet. The system then outputs a representation of the ornamental structure to a user. Examples of ornamental structures include a ribbon, a detachable coupon, or an ornamental face. The system may create the package after the user selects an offered ornamental structure. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129019 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMPUTER-AIDED TISSUE ENGINEERING FOR MODELING, DESIGN AND FREEFORM FABRICATION OF TISSUE SCAFFOLDS, CONSTRUCTS, AND DEVICES - One aspect of the invention provides a material delivery system including: a plurality of nozzles and one or more controllers adapted and configured to control the plurality of nozzles to simultaneously deposit heterogeneous materials including one or more cells to manufacture a part or device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method including simultaneously depositing heterogeneous materials including one more cells using a plurality of nozzles. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140163710 | Method for Creating Personalized Functional Objects, Computer, Computer Readable Medium and Computer Program Related Thereto - A method for creating personalized objects having a mechanically functional portion the method comprising at least one step of editing a three-dimensional model ( | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140180462 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING PATTERNS TO BE PRINTED ON A PLATE OR MASK BY MEANS OF ELECTRON-BEAM LITHOGRAPHY AND CORRESPONDING PRINTING DEVICE - This method for estimating patterns (M′ | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180463 | COMPUTER AUTOMATED DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT PLAN AND APPLIANCE - A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which the teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140188260 | METHOD OF DIGITALLY CONSTRUCTING A PROSTHESIS - A prosthetic limb and process to digitally construct a prosthetic limb which includes first, digitally producing a modified mold of a residual limb via 3d scanners and software; constructing a test socket from the digitally modified mold and be equipped with an alignable system; accurately scanning the test socket, along with finalized alignment that has been recorded and adjusted by a certified practitioner to provide a 3-D Image of the finalized prosthetic alignment; transferring the finalized digital alignment of the test socket to the finalized digitally modified mold; once the modified model has received the transferred alignment, fabricating the type of hookup in the socket; i.e., plug fit, four hole, support drop lock, or any other type of industry standard connection or accommodation via basic 3D software; and once the desired prosthetic attachment is finalized, sending finished file to a 3-D printer to produce the definitive prosthetic device. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140195030 | CUTTING DECISION-MAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DONATED TISSUES - A system and method for cut decision-making to increase tissue yield includes a three-dimensional scanner configured to collect scan data of a tissue sample. A computer system includes a processor and memory and is configured to receive the scan data to generate a digital model of the tissue sample. A computer program is stored in the memory and is configured to compute an optimized cutting plan for the tissue sample. The cutting plan is based on criteria input to the program to determine a best combination of primitives to fit within a volume of the tissue sample. A cutting device is configured to receive the tissue sample and cut the tissue sample in accordance with the cutting plan. Various methods are also disclosed. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140200697 | System, Method and Apparatus for Three-Dimensional Digital Design Content Rights Management - The present invention comprises a system and method for providing three-dimensional and maintaining digital design rights management. The invention comprises a first server computer configured to transmit, to user terminals, images associated with three-dimensional designs. The server receives at least one request, from at least one user terminal, to fabricate one or more three-dimensional objects from three-dimensional designs. A second server computer in communication with the first server computer, and located remotely from the first server computer is controlled by an entity that does not control the at least one first server computer. The second server computer is configured to store design specifications associated with three-dimensional designs and control a fabricating device in communication with the at least one second server computer. The fabricating device configured to fabricate at least one three-dimensional object based at least partially on at least one design specification without storing the design specifications. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200698 | THIN PLATE SPLINE - A method of modeling may include obtaining an input file defining a first geometry, establishing a control related to the first geometry, adjusting the control, and using a thin plate spline transform to adjust the first geometry to a second geometry based on the control. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140222183 | METHOD FOR CHECKING AN ARTICLE WITH MATERIAL-FREE REGIONS - A method for checking an article with material-free regions, a three-dimensional test structure of the article is set up, this test structure comprising a negative formation of the material-free regions. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140222184 | METHODS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INTRALUMINAL ENDOPROSTHESIS - The application provides molds for the manufacture of intraluminal endoprostheses and methods for their manufacture. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of providing a 3D model of the mold, meshing the model, manufacturing a mold based on said meshed 3D model. Also provided herein are methods for manufacturing an endoprosthesis using said mold. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140236335 | 3D Scanning, Modeling and Printing for the Creation of Custom-Fitted Ostomy Devices - In accordance with this embodiment of the application of a 3D scanning, modeling and printing process to create custom-fitted ostomy devices that minimize leakage and odor and maximize mobility and comfort. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140244016 | SURGICAL GUIDE AND METHOD - A method for preparing a surgical guide for positioning of a dental implementation. The method includes positioning a positioning device relative to a model jawbone, translating the positioning device in a BL direction, adjusting a BL angle of the positioning device about a BL pivot axis corresponding to a desired position of a top of the dental implementation, and fixing the BL position, BL angle, and z-height of the positioning device. A mounting assembly mounts to the positioning device and includes a removable rotation block with a guide hole. The mounting assembly is movable in the MD direction while the BL position is fixed. A template fixes the mounting assembly for transferring the positioning information to a patient's mouth. Various aspects of the design process can be performed on a computer. The guide and a method of using the guide to perform an implant procedure are also disclosed. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140249662 | PHOTO BOOTH FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES - A photo booth is configured with a three-dimensional scanner, a display with a user interface coupled to the photo booth, a network interface configured to couple the photo booth in a communicating relationship with a remote processing resource, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may be configured to associate a user identifier and a user with a subject, capture a scan of the subject in the photo booth with the three-dimensional scanner, process the scan to obtain a three-dimensional model of the subject, receive a user customization of the three-dimensional model in the user interface, the user customization resulting in a modification of the three-dimensional model, create a fabrication-ready digital model of the three-dimensional model including the modification, and store the fabrication-ready digital model. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140277663 | System and Method for Creating Custom-Fit Apparel Designs - An automated system for the production of a personalized custom-fit garment comprises a scanner for obtaining a three-dimensional model of a customer's body shape; a computer having non-transitory computer algorithms for scaling a digital design to the customer's body shape, customizing the digital pattern with the customer's fit and style preferences, and visualizing the drape and fit of the garment; a database comprising a set of digital design patterns; and an automated garment manufacturing system networked to a central controller. A method for creating a personalized custom-fit garment comprises obtaining three-dimensional body measurements of a customer, having the customer select and customize a particular garment design, and manufacturing the personalized garment using an automated manufacturing process. The system and method can be used to prepare any kind of garments without substantive manual intervention or touch labor. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277664 | 3D PRINTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING INJECTION MOLDS - Injection molds can be fabricated using 3D printing technology. An inverse computer aided design (“CAD”) file may be generated based upon a visualization file that represents a 3D object. The inverse CAD file can then be altered based upon various parameters associated with the 3D object. One or more injection molds can be fabricated using a 3D printer based on the altered inverse CAD file. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277665 | CUSTOMIZED DENTAL IMPRESSION TRAY - Disclosed are methods and systems for generating a virtual model of a customized impression tray and for manufacturing such a customized impression tray. A 3D digital representation of a patient's set of teeth is obtained and a virtual model of the customized impression tray is generated, where the generating comprises shaping the virtual model of the customized impression tray according to the 3D digital representation. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140297014 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT FABRICATION USING AN IMPLICIT SURFACE REPRESENTATION - The subject disclosure is directed towards three-dimensional object fabrication using an implicit surface representation as a model for surface geometries. A voxelized space for the implicit surface representation, of which each machine addressable unit includes indirect surface data, may be used to control components of an apparatus when that apparatus fabricates a three-dimensional object. Instructions generated using this representation may cause these components to move to surface positions and deposit source material. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140297015 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MASS CUSTOM MANUFACTURING OF DENTAL CROWNS AND CROWN COMPONENTS - A Mass Custom Manufacturing System and methods are provided. A single master file is created for a restoration (or multiple restorations for a single patient) from a scan. Copings/cores, abutments and other companion pieces are designed using the master file through a deconstruction method allowing for simultaneous CAM of those pieces. A centralized system controls design and manufacturing, allowing the system to “learn” from feedback from the CAM operations of prior pieces and incorporate such feedback into the design phase. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140303764 | METHODS OF FABRICATING SHIMS FOR JOINING PARTS - Methods of fabricating shims for joining parts are disclosed. An example method of fabricating shims for joining parts, wherein the parts having mating surfaces separated by a gap, includes: generating first digital data representing a first surface profile of a first part; generating second digital data representing a second surface profile of a second part to mate with the first part; determining distances between the first and second parts, as assembled, at multiple locations; generating a digital volume that closely matches a gap between the first and second parts based on the determined distances; generating a three dimensional digital representation of a shim to fill the gap using the first and second digital data; and automatically fabricating the shim matching the gap using a computer-controlled machine, the machine being controlled using the three dimensional digital representation of the shim. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140316546 | Method And System For Direct Additive Manufacturing From An Advertisement - A method and system form physical objects from digital files generated from transactions carried out on internet enabled devices. The system comprises: (a) an internet enabled device capable of receiving an advertised offer and transmitting communications from a user regarding a purchase based upon the advertised offer; (b) a digital rendering device capable of forming a physical object from a digital file containing user specified instructions; (c) a vendor capable of receiving information regarding the purchase and providing the digital file in a downloadable format; (d) a payment processor capable of (i) receiving monetary funds transfer authorization from the user, (ii) effecting the monetary funds transfer, (iii) issuing a communication to the vendor when the monetary funds transfer is successfully effected, and (iv) transferring at least a portion of the monetary funds to the vendor. The digital rendering device can be a three-dimensional printer or an additive manufacturing device. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316547 | DESIGN FOR A PART MADE FROM 3D WOVEN COMPOSITE MATERIAL - A method designing a part made of 3D woven composite material, performed by a computer, the method including: obtaining shape data representing an outside surface of the part; for each point of a set of points of the outside surface, determining a distance between the point and a projection of the point onto a target surface, the projection being along a predetermined projection direction; determining a structure of a 3D woven preform as a function of the determined distances; and obtaining projection data specifying a projection direction as a function of a position of a point on the outside surface of the part, wherein the projection direction that is used for at least some of the points of the set of points is determined during the determining a distance, as a function of the projection and as a function of the position of the point. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140324204 | METHODS AND APPARATI FOR IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMMABLE PIPELINE FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING INCLUDING MULTI-MATERIAL APPLICATIONS - A programmable pipeline for synthesis of multi-material 3D printed objects supports procedural evaluation of geometric detail and material composition, using program modules allowing models to be specified easily and efficiently. A streaming architecture enables only a small fraction of the final volume to be stored in memory. Output is fed to the printer with little startup delay. A variety of multi-material objects are described. Procedural control over surface and volume stages as well as dithering is provided, together or independent of each other. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324205 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN ARTHROPLASTY JIG - A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (x | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324206 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL FABRICATION - A method of three-dimensional fabrication of an object is disclosed. The method comprises: forming a plurality of layers in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional object, at least one layer of the plurality of layers being formed at a predetermined and different thickness selected so as to compensate for post-formation shrinkage of the layer along a vertical direction. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention spread of building material of one or more layers is diluted at least locally such as to maintain a predetermined thickness and a predetermined planar resolution for the layer. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140330417 | ADAPTABLE 3D PATIENT IMMOBILIZATION - A method for customizing, based on medical imaging data for a patient positioned on a treatment couch, a medical immobilization device is disclosed. Medical imaging data, for example, CT image data, MRI image data or the like, is received, and a selection is made of an immobilization device that anchors only to at least one boney structure of a body part of the patient to immobilize the body part of the patient. The immobilization device may mask only partially the body part of the patient. The device can be customized and an image of the patient can be repositioned without obtaining additional imaging data from the patient. The at least one boney structure may be an orbital area and a chin, an elbow, or a knee and groin area. The immobilization device may be attachable to a support structure positioned underneath the patient on the treatment couch. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140330418 | SINGLE ACTION THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL PRINTING METHODS - Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140330419 | SOLID IDENTIFICATION GRID ENGINE FOR CALCULATING SUPPORT MATERIAL VOLUMES, AND METHODS OF USE - A method for calculating a support material volume, the method comprising generating a grid of cells for a tree data structure of a digital part, where the cells define a plurality of cell arrays, and pinging the cells of one of the cell arrays until a cell containing a subset of the tree data structure is reached or until each cell in the cell array is pinged, where if a cell containing the subset of the tree data structure is reached, then designating the reached cell and all remaining unpinged cells in the cell array as filled. The method also includes repeating the pinging step for each remaining cell array to determine a total filled volume, and subtracting a volume of the digital part from the total filled volume to determine a support material volume. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140336806 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF MOLDS AND CRUCIBLES USED IN INVESTMENT CASTING - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods useful for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of molds and crucibles used in investment casting processes, including, without limitation, for producing aircraft engines, land-based turbine engines, and the like. According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for non-destructive evaluation that includes a support, a 3D scanning device, and a computer component. According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for non-destructive evaluation that includes the steps of: providing a system for non-destructive evaluation of a mold or crucible according to the present disclosure; securing a mold or crucible to the support of the system; and operating the 3D scanning device of the system in conjunction with the computer component in order to create a 3D structure difference map that indicates whether the mold or crucible falls within or outside a desired structural integrity parameter range. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140336807 | Systems and Methods for Translating Three Dimensional Graphic Molecular Models to Computer Aided Design Format - Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus that allow a user to convert various styles of three dimensional graphic representations of molecular models to computer aided design format to enable printing of a physical model using three dimensional printing equipment such as rapid prototyping equipment, additive manufacturing equipment, and/or three dimensional printers. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140336808 | MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR 3D PRINTED OBJECTS - The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method of manufacturing customised 3D objects. The method includes retrieving a source model for a 3D object and a plurality of defined control points for the 3D object from a database; receiving modifications to at least some of the control points from a first user; automatically applying the modifications to the source model to create a modified model; and automatically generating print instructions for manufacture of a customised version of the 3D object. A system and 3D models generated by the method are also disclosed. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140336809 | METHOD FOR PREPARING A PHYSICAL PLASTER MODEL - The invention provides a method for creating a physical teeth model. The method comprises the following steps: providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that comprises at least a region of the teeth that includes a tooth stump on which a crown is to be fitted or a region on to which a bridge is to be fitted; and preparing a physical model of the jaws of a subject from a blank, based on information from said virtual 3D image. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140343708 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOUBLE ROTATION OPTIMIZATION - A system and a method for optimizing a rotational orientation of a cylindrical workpiece for a shaping process. The system having a first scanner configured to perform a first scan of the workpiece. A processor configured to perform a first optimization using data from the first scan to determine a first amount of rotation. A turning mechanism configured to perform a first rotation of the workpiece. A second scanner configured to perform a second scan of the workpiece after the first rotation. The processor further configured to determine a second actual rotational orientation of the workpiece using the data from first scan and data from the second scan, to perform a second optimization using the data from first scan to determine a second amount of rotation. The turning mechanism further configured to perform a second rotation of the workpiece by the second amount of rotation. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140343709 | METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AND/OR CHECKING THE OPERABILITY OF A MACHINE HAVING A GEARBOX, AND CONTROL PROGRAMME - In order to provide information for the functioning of housing bores or openings on a gearbox, pictograms are displayed on each housing bore or opening on a graphic user interface depending on the installation position, said pictograms displaying the respective functioning of the individual housing bores or openings. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140343710 | MANUFACTURING VEHICLE FLOOR TRAYS - The three-dimensional positions of points on a surface of a vehicle foot well are digitally measured and are stored in a memory. The stored points are used to construct an electronic model of the vehicle foot well surface. The electronic model of the vehicle foot well surface in turn is used to construct an electronic three-dimensional image of the vehicle floor tray. A vehicle tray data file is created from the electronic three-dimensional image. The data file is in turn used to make a mold for a vehicle floor tray, and vehicle floor trays are manufactured by molding polymer material in the mold. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140358269 | FEATURE GEOMETRY ASPECT RECOGNITION AND MACHINING - Various disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-readable media for managing feature geometry-aspect machining using a PLM data processing system. According to one embodiment, a method includes identifying a feature geometry in a graphical design. The method also includes identifying an aspect of the feature geometry. The aspect includes a subset of the feature geometry. The method further includes defining the feature geometry aspect based on a user-defined name. The method also includes associating one or more machining operations with the feature geometry aspect. Additionally, the method includes storing the one or more machining operations and the user-defined name in association with the feature geometry aspect. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358270 | DEVICE FOR ASSISTING WITH SETTING OF MANUFACTURING CONDITIONS FOR SILICA GLASS CRUCIBLE, DEVICE FOR ASSISTING WITH SETTING OF MANUFACTURING CONDITIONS FOR MOLD FOR MANUFACTURING SILICA GLASS CRUCIBLE, DEVICE FOR ASSISTING WITH CONDITION SETTING FOR PULLING UP MONOCRYSTALLINE SILICON USING SILICA GLASS CRUCIBLE - A vitreous silica crucible is manufactured by rotational molding in such a manner that the three-dimensional shape thereof matches design data to a high degree. If the degree of matching between three-dimensional shapes of simulation data obtained based on initial property parameters and measurement data falls below a predetermined level, improved property parameters are set such that the degree of matching becomes higher than or equal to the predetermined level. If the degree of matching between three-dimensional shapes of simulation data obtained based on initial manufacturing conditions and the measurement data falls below a predetermined level, improved manufacturing conditions are set such that simulation data matching design data to a degree higher than or equal to the predetermined level is obtained. As a result, the degree of matching between the three-dimensional shapes of the design data and measurement data of the vitreous silica crucible can be enhanced to the predetermined level or higher. That is, it is possible to manufacture a vitreous silica crucible by rotational molding in such a manner that the three-dimensional shape thereof matches the design data to a high degree. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140371895 | RAFT TECHNIQUES IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING - The strength of a bond between two adjacent layers of a three-dimensional print is weakened by initiating fabrication of a top layer at a height greater than the processing height for the print. This technique may be used in particular at the interface between a raft or other support and an object being fabricated, after which the printing process may return to a regular process height for additional layers used to fabricate the remainder of the object. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371896 | POROUS STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - The present disclosure allows for more controlled modification of the input data to a Rapid Manufacturing Technologies (RMT) machinery to compensate for systematic error of the manufacturing process, such as directional build discrepancies, by performing the opposite effect to the input data. The modification is achieved with minimal unwanted distortions introduced to other portions of the structure to be built by decoupling the global scaling effects on the whole structure from the desired local effects on certain portions | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150018995 | METHOD FOR CALCULATING SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND SUPPORT ELEMENTS FOR ATTACHING A SUPPORT STRUT OF SAME - Method for calculating support structures, consisting of support struts, for a three-dimensional layered object on a platform, comprising: for each layer, determining a surface of the layer that is open in relation to a lower layer, and determining support points, on which the layer is to be supported; assigning a respective cone to each support point, with each cone located with the cone tip in the respective support point and opening toward the platform; forming groups of support points of all layers to be supported, with each group being assigned all of the support points, the cones of which forming overlaps with other cones of other support points; and for each group, calculating at least one support structure, with one support strut ending in each support point of each group, and the support structure standing on the platform or on a portion of the object lying below the group. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150025666 | THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTED REPLICAS OF PATIENT'S ANATOMY FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - A system and method of creating a 3-dimensional (3D) replica of a patient's anatomy. The method includes acquiring 3D echo images of the patient's anatomy using ultrasound waves, selecting a filter that reduces noise in the 3D echo images, selecting a segmentation algorithm to segment the filtered 3D echo images, selecting at least one additional segmentation algorithm to subsequently segment the segmented 3D echo images, creating a 3D digital model, and outputting the 3D digital model as the 3D replica of the patient's anatomy. The method also includes acquiring other 3D images using MRI/CT scans, creating another 3D digital model, determining a scaling factor to scale the other 3D digital model to correspond to a size of the 3D digital model created using ultrasound waves, combining the 3D digital model and the other 3D digital model, and outputting the combined 3D digital models. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025667 | METHOD FOR CREATING MACHINING DATA FOR USE IN HYBRID ULTRAPRECISION MACHINING DEVICE, AND HYBRID ULTRAPRECISION MACHINING DEVICE - There is provided a method for creating machining data for a hybrid ultraprecision machining device for manufacturing a micro-machined product from a workpiece, the machining device comprising: an electromagnetic-wave-machining means for roughly machining the workpiece; a precision-machining means for precisely machining the roughly machined workpiece; and a shape-measurement means, wherein the creation of the machining data makes use of: information on original shape corresponding to shape of the workpiece; information on roughly-machining shape to be removed from the workpiece by the electromagnetic-wave-machining means; and stereoscopic model of after-electromagnetic-wave-machining shape which is obtained by subtracting the roughly-machining shape from the original shape, wherein the machining data is created for electromagnetic-wave machining on the basis of information on a plurality of sliced portions obtained by partially slice-cutting from the stereoscopic model of the after-electromagnetic-wave-machining shape. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150032241 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING 3D OBJECT PRINTING AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING 3D OBJECT PRINTING SERVICE - Disclosed herein is a device and method for supporting 3D object printing and an apparatus for providing a 3D object printing service. A proposed device for supporting 3D object printing includes an information collection unit for collecting preference information of a user and performance information of a 3D printer. A download unit downloads a 3D model that is an object to be printed and model information defined in the 3D model in response to a printable selection signal. A model information creation unit creates new model information based on the 3D model and the model information defined in the 3D model. A print control command generation unit generates a print control command based on the preference information of the user and the performance information of the 3D printer, output from the information collection unit, and the new model information, output from the model information creation unit. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032242 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING ORTHOTIC DEVICE MODELS FROM USER-BASED DATA CAPTURE - A method for generating an orthotic device is disclosed. The method includes receiving data from a client device of a patient, the data comprising patient information and image data representative of a body part of the patient. The method further includes generating, based on the image data, three-dimensional model data representative of the body part, and generating parametric CAD model data of the orthotic device based on the three-dimensional model data and the patient information. The parametric CAD model data is transmitted to a three-dimensional printer, wherein the three-dimensional printer is to generate the orthotic device based on the parametric CAD model data | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150039113 | Method and apparatus for 3D printing along natural direction - The purpose of this invention is to enable forming 3D objects by a 3D printer by establishing a method for describing 3D models with directions, a method for modeling such models, a method for slicing 3D models with directions, and a method for printing 3D objects with directions when each portion of a 3D object has its natural direction in a layered 3D-printing process. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150045924 | DATA PROCESSING - Described herein are data processing apparatuses and methods for processing data relating to at least part of a three dimensional object for additive manufacturing. The apparatuses and methods, for example, relate to processing surface precursor data indicative of at least one characteristic for use in defining a surface of the at least part of the three dimensional object. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045925 | Method For Manufacturing Dental Implant Components - A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. The method takes an impression of a mouth including a first installation site having a dental implant installed in the first installation site and a gingival healing abutment having at least one informational marker attached to the dental implant. A stone model is prepared based on the impression, including teeth models and model markers indicative of the at least one informational marker. The model is scanned. Scan data is generated from the scanning. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information for manufacturing the rapid prototype. Rapid prototype dimensional information is developed. The rapid prototype dimensional information is transferred to a rapid prototyping machine which fabricate a rapid prototype of the patient's dentition as well as a dental implant analog position. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045926 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING A CUSTOM MEDICAL MASK FROM A THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRONIC MODEL - According to one embodiment, a custom medical mask formed for a particular user from a three-dimensional electronic model includes a body formed from a polymerized photopolymer material. An interior surface of the body is configured to seat on the particular user's face and comprises a physical embodiment of a three-dimensional electronic model corresponding to unique facial features of the particular user. According to another embodiment, a method of creating a three-dimensional electronic model for use in forming a custom medical mask for a particular user includes scanning a portion of the particular user's face using an electronic scanning device, generating a three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face based on the scanning, and transmitting the three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face for use in forming the custom medical mask for the particular user from a photopolymer using a stereolithography apparatus. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150051725 | METHOD OF VERIFYING A SURGICAL OPERATION IMAGE MATCHING AND METHOD OF COMPENSATING A SURGICAL OPERATION IMAGE MATCHING - In order to verify a surgical operation image matching, a model of a target is manufactured. Then, a reference body is attached to the model. Then, three-dimensional reference data regarding to the model with the reference body attached thereto is obtained. Then, grid patterned light is emitted onto the model with the reference body attached thereto to obtain reflection image regarding to the model with the reference body thereto. Then, three-dimensional shape is measured by applying bucket algorithm to the reflection image regarding to the model with the reference body attached thereto, and measurement image is obtained from the three-dimensional shape. Then, the measurement image and previously obtained three-dimensional reference data are matched with reference to a surface of the model. Then, reference position of the target in the three-dimensional reference data is compared with estimated position of the target, which is estimated by the reference body in the measurement image. Therefore, the matching of the surgical operation can be verified. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150057780 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING APPARATUS - A 3-D printing apparatus of the invention includes a process unit, a 3-D display unit, a base and a printing head. The processing unit is configured to read and process a digital 3-D model information. The base has a carrying surface. The 3-D display unit is coupled to and controlled by the processing unit and configured to display a digital 3-D image related to the digital 3-D model on the carrying surface for previewing, wherein the 3-D image is corresponding to a 3-D object related to the digital 3-D model. The printing head is disposed above the base and coupled to the processing unit, wherein the processing unit controls the printing head to dispense a base material formed on the carrying surface layer by layer so as to form the 3-D object according to the digital 3-D model information and following an image contour of the 3-D image. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057781 | THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTER AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING WORKING COORDINATE OF PLATFORM THEREOF - A three-dimensional (3-D) printer and a method for adjusting a working coordinate of a platform thereof are provided. The 3-D printer includes a platform, a printing head and a control unit. The platform includes a carrying surface and adjustment points located on the carrying surface. The printing head disposed above the platform for moving along a datum plane and a normal direction of the datum plane. The control unit controls the printing head to move from the datum plane toward the platform to contact each of the adjustment points for obtaining a coordinate offset of the carrying surface corresponding to the datum plane, and adjusts a model coordinate of a digital 3-D model information according to the coordinate offset. The control unit moves the printing head according to the adjusted model coordinate to print a 3-D object related to the digital 3-D model information on the carrying surface. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057782 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A DENTAL PROSTHESIS AND A DENTAL PROSTHESIS MANUFACTURED THEREBY - A dental prosthesis is made by externally machining successive layers of wax, each of which is formed on a previous prosthesis layer and/or on a coping. Each wax layer is used to form a mold in situ over the previous prosthesis layer/coping, and the appropriate prosthesis material is cast or otherwise molded to conform to the wax layer by the mold. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150066178 | ADAPTIVE SUPPORTS FOR 3D PRINTING - Methods and systems for defining adaptive support structures for three dimensional (3D) printing are disclosed. An exemplary method detects an area of a 3D model needing support and generates contact points for the area. The method creates a set of virtual supports that extend downward from respective contact points and then identifies connections between the virtual supports in the set, the connections satisfying connection constraints. Next, a virtual support in the set is selected to be a trunk based on comparing connectivity levels of virtual supports in the set, the connectivity level of each of the virtual supports determined by a number of connections between the respective virtual support and other virtual supports. The method then defines a support structure originating from the contact points and including the trunk, at least one virtual support connected to the trunk, and connections between the trunk and the at least one virtual support. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066179 | PRESERVING THIN COMPONENTS FOR 3D PRINTING - Methods and systems are disclosed for preserving thin components for three dimensional (3D) printing. An exemplary method generates a medial axis of a 3D shape and identifies components of the 3D shape that need to be preserved by applying a transform to the medial axis. The method creates an output model based at least in part on the components and an insetted shape corresponding to the 3D shape. A system includes a computing device with a processor and a memory having instructions that, if executed, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations comprise generating a medial axis of a 3D shape and applying a transform to the medial axis to identify one or more components of the shape to be preserved. The operations further comprise creating an output model based at least in part on the one or more components and an insetted shape corresponding to the 3D shape. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066180 | QUICK PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SMT EQUIPMENT - The present invention provides a quick processing system and method for SMT equipment, that is: firstly read PCB design files and BOM files inputted, and generate core data including text data and graphic data of all components to be assembled; then search the component data matched with each component to be assembled in the local database on basis of the core data, and link the found component information with the corresponding component to be assembled, and mark the component information as an available component, and create component information on basis of the core data of the component to be assembled, and stored to the local database, then mark the component information as an available component, and recover the component information on basis of the graphic data in the core data as an error is checked out; finally output the validated component information to the SMT equipment system. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066181 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING DENTURES - A method produces one or more dentures wherein the dentures have a base element that holds at least two tooth blanks. The method comprises producing a negative mould by machining on the basis of a digital image of a tooth situation and shortening, by machining, a length dimension of the tooth blanks that are preassembled and held in the negative mould from a basal side in order to achieve a tooth line adapted to the tooth situation. The method also comprises connecting the base element and the shortened tooth blanks to form the dentures. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066182 | Automated Customization of Loudspeakers - A loudspeaker includes a horn including a first end panel, a second end panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. Edges of at least the first and second side panels define a diffraction slot opening. The first and second side panels are each fabricated from a sheet of flexible material held in a stressed, curved shape by at least a rigid support member. The panels are designed by an automated process based on a number of electro-acoustic transducers to be used in a loudspeaker, horizontal and vertical coverage angles for the loudspeaker, and a wall length for a horn of the loudspeaker. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150073576 | CONSTRUCTION PROCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESS MANAGEMENT METHOD - A construction process management system includes storage units that store work information of work to be carried out during construction of a plant, and section information, period information, and system information associated with the work information. The section information indicates a section in which work is performed among plural sections in the plant. The period information indicates a period in which the work is performed. The system information indicates a system to which the work belongs among systems in the construction work. The construction process management system further includes a process chart generation unit that extracts work information for section information item and generates a section-based process chart showing a process of work for each section based on the period information, and a conversion unit that converts the section-based process chart into a system-based process chart showing the process of work for each system based on the system information. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073577 | IMPRESSION SCANNING FOR MANUFACTURING OF DENTAL RESTORATIONS - A method of obtaining orientation and localization of at least one dental implant includes the following steps: (a) obtaining an impression comprising at least one fixated impression abutment corresponding to the at least one dental implant(s) and/or obtaining an impression comprising at least one fixated impression abutment corresponding to the at least one dental implant(s) on which is mounted a scan implant/analog (b) obtaining pre-determined information of the shape of the impression abutment and/or scan implant/analog, (c) scanning at least a part of the impression, wherein the part includes the at least one impression abutment and/or scan implant/analog thereby obtaining scan data, (d) determining the orientation and localization of the dental implant based on the pre-determined information and the scan data. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073578 | System and method for converting a three dimensional model to a non-application specific format - A computer-implemented method for converting a three dimensional model to a non-application specific format that is used for sheet metal manufacturing is provided. The method includes receiving a user input, via a Graphical User Interface (GUI), to select the non-application specific format from a defined group of non-application specific formats. The method also includes receiving a user input, via the GUI, to select the three dimensional model that has multiple surfaces from a database, receiving a user input, via the GUI, to select a surface and receiving a user input, via the GUI, to select a feature that is unrelated to the sheet metal manufacturing. The method includes removing the feature to create a two dimensional model of the selected surface, converting the two dimensional model to the selected non-application specific format and creating a file corresponding to the two dimensional model in the selected non-application specific format. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150081073 | Robotic Object Coating System - A method and apparatus for coating a group of objects may be provided. A three-dimensional model of the group of objects may be generated. Segments that represent each object in the group of objects in the three-dimensional model may be formed. Instructions for coating the group of objects may be generated based on the segments. The instructions may be configured to cause a robotic coating system to coat the group of objects. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081074 | METHOD FOR MACHINING THE TRAILING EDGE OF A TURBINE ENGINE BLADE - A method for manufacturing a turbine engine blade including an airfoil with a profile defined by a theoretical digital model, the method including: manufacturing a blank having a thickened portion along a trailing edge of the airfoil relative to the theoretical profile; removing the thickened portion by adaptive machining, including: positioning the blank in a reference frame; acquiring, by probing at a predetermined number of points on a first surface of the blank along the trailing edge, positions of the points in the reference frame; determining differences, in one direction, in position from corresponding points of the theoretical model; producing machining grids on the blank surface, peaks of the grids determined from the points; determining an amount of material to be removed from the surface of the grids, based on the position of the points relative to the peaks and the deviations in position; and machining the airfoil. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081075 | METHOD OF SETTING UP A GEAR CUTTING MACHINE AND GEAR CUTTING MACHINE - The present disclosure relates to a method of setting up a gear cutting machine, wherein the gear cutting machine is equipped with at least one machine part which can be set up and the parameters relating to the set-up machine part are input into the machine control for the subsequent gear cutting process, wherein a graphical model of the machine part is virtually composed on a display element of the gear cutting machine in a user-controlled manner from one or more graphical part components and the required parameters for the following gear cutting process are derived from the graphical modeling. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081076 | CUSTOMIZATION OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES RESPONSIVE TO REMOTE CAPTURE OF THREE DIMENSIONAL DATA - The present invention relates to the production of custom articles, and customization of existing articles, responsive to three dimensional data captured remotely. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of custom shoes and inserts for shoes, and can use smart phones to allow users to easily capture information required for custom footwear. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150088290 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING PHYSICAL PAYMENT CARDS - A computer-based method for generating a physical payment card for a consumer is provided. The method is implemented using a computer device including a processor. The method includes identifying a consumer account. The method also includes creating, by the processor, a model data file associated with the physical payment card for the consumer account. The model data file includes data representing the physical payment card. The method further includes transmitting the model data file to a 3-dimensional printer device. The model data file is configured to enable the printer device to print the physical payment card. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088291 | Single Action Three-Dimensional Model Printing Methods - Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088292 | METHOD OF PROVIDING DATA FOR MINIMIZING DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIMENSIONS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE FORMED BY LASER RADIATION AND DESIGN VALUES OF SCAN PATH OF SUCH THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE AND COMPUTER AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PROVIDING SUCH DATA - Acquiring expected precision even in a case that partial shrinkage occurs. The present invention is a technique for providing data for minimizing a difference between dimensions of a three-dimensional structure formed by laser radiation and design values of a scan path of the three-dimensional structure, in which the technique includes: modeling a manufacturing process of the three-dimensional structure and formulating a shrinkage of material used in the manufacturing process; and performing an optimization calculation for minimizing the difference between the dimensions of the three-dimensional structure after the shrinkage of the material and the design values by using the formulated shrinkage model to compute the scan length x minimizing the difference, and in which the formulation includes formulating a shrinkage function in the case where the material shrinks according to the scan length x | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088293 | Pre-Operative Planning And Manufacturing Method For Orthopedic Procedure - A pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic surgery includes obtaining pre-operative medical image data representing a joint portion of a patient. The method also includes constructing a three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion and manufacturing a patient-specific alignment guide for the joint portion from the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion when the image data is sufficient to construct the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion. The patient-specific alignment guide has a three-dimensional patient-specific surface pre-operatively configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the joint portion of the patient in only one position relative to the joint portion. The method further includes determining, from the image data, a size of a non-custom implant to be implanted in the patient and assembling a surgical kit including the non-custom implant when there is insufficient image data to construct the patient-specific alignment guide therefrom. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150094837 | MOLDLESS THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present disclosure relates to a moldless three-dimensional printing method and apparatus for applying the method. The method comprises intermittently feeding a continuous sheet material into a build chamber, and maintaining a determined tension of the continuous sheet material. The method comprises ablating predetermined areas corresponding to internal part features of a layer of a manufactured object in a section of the sheet material. The method comprises positioning the section of the sheet material on top of a previous section of the sheet material. The method comprises bonding the section of sheet material to the previous section of the sheet material. The bonding includes applying a determined pressure and at least one determined temperature. The method comprises ablating external contours of the bonded section of the sheet material. The method further comprises controlling an ablation temperature, the determined pressure and the at least one determined temperature of the bonding. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150094838 | PRINTING OF OBJECTS FOR MEDICAL USE - An artifact for radiation therapy is produced by accessing image data comprising images including a target volume inside a patient. A design for the artifact is generated based on the image data. The design is customized to a radiation therapy treatment plan for the patient. A printing plan is generated based on the design. A three-dimensional printer is controlled using the printing plan to build an object that corresponds to the design. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150100145 | USING UV UNWRAPPING TO CREATE MANUFACTURING PATTERNS FOR CUSTOM PRINTS - This invention is a method for automating the generation of manufacturing patterns for apparel and accessories directly from designs created on a 3-dimensional (3D) model. This differs from existing models in which users design “2D slices” of a 3D image created at various pre-defined angles. This invention includes the steps of: 1) Making the UV map of the 3D model exactly match the manufacturing pattern in shape and scale; 2) Positioning the various components in the UV map to facilitate the desired image or text flow; and 3) Using a UV unwrap method to produce the manufacturing patterns with the exact art and text on each component. Images and text are thereby allowed to span across seams and be accurately manufactured. Automation of this process ensures that the images and text on the manufacturing patterns are the exact same as that which the user designed. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150105889 | CLOUD 3D MODEL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM AND CONSTRUCTION METHOD THEREOF - A cloud 3D model construction system and a related method thereof are provided. 3D object data of a physical object are transmitted in real time to a cloud 3D model platform. The cloud 3D model platform constructs a 3D model in construction based on the 3D object data. The 3D model in construction is updated to be constructed continuously, in order for a 3D model corresponding to the physical object to be created. A plane image of the 3D model in construction is sent to a user apparatus in real time, allowing the user apparatus to view the plane image of the 3D model in construction. The cloud 3D model construction system and method enable real-time viewing of the process of the 3D model construction, and allow the 3D model to be combined with other 3D techniques to create various practical applications. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105890 | System and Method for CNC Machines and Software - A method of rendering a machine state, a method of generating and rendering a work-piece cut path, and a CNC machines system are disclosed. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105891 | SYSTEM AND WORKSTATION FOR THE DESIGN, FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY OF BIO-MATERIAL CONSTRUCTS - A bioassembly system having a tissue/object modeling software component fully and seamlessly integrated with a robotic bioassembly workstation component for the computer-assisted design, fabrication and assembly of biological and non-biological constructs. The robotic bioassembly workstation includes a six-axis robot providing the capability for oblique-angle printing, printing by non-sequential planar layering, and printing on print substrates having variable surface topographies, enabling fabrication of more complex bio-constructs including tissues, organs and vascular trees. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105892 | SOFTWARE AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED PALLET INSPECTION AND REPAIR - An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150112468 | MANAGING THE MANUFACTURING LIFECYCLE OF FASTENERS OF A PRODUCT - A system is provided that is configured to receive a manufacturing process plan for a product including a plurality of component parts joined by fasteners, with the manufacturing process plan including process definitions that describe process operations in which component parts are worked to manufacture of the product. The system is configured to generate graphical views for respective process operations of the manufacturing process plan in which fastener locations are worked for installation of respective fasteners to join component parts of the product, and output the graphical views. The graphical view of a process operation may graphically depict one or more component parts and only those of the fastener locations on the one or more component parts worked during the process operation, with any others of the fastener locations on the same or other component parts being hidden from the graphical view. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150120031 | METHOD OF GENERATING A PATIENT-SPECIFIC BONE SHELL - The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass methods and devices for designing patient specific prosthetic cutting jigs and, more specifically, to devices and methods for segmenting bone of the knee and the resulting cutting guides themselves. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing customized surgical devices, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to automated systems and methods of arthroplasty cutting guides, systems and methods for image segmentation in generating computer models of knee joint. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120032 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VERIFYING CNC PRODUCTION ACCURACY - In a production accuracy verification method to verify a production program installed in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, wherein the production program is used to produce a product, coordinates of points on an ideal processing path of the production program are obtained to fit a first curve. A CAD model of the product is obtained, and outlines of the product are extracted in the CAD model. A normal vector of each of the outlines is computed and to be adjusted, making the normal vectors of the outlines pointing to a same direction. First distances between points in the first curve and corresponding points in the second curve are computed, and whether the production program is accurate can be determined by comparing whether each of the first distances is within a first predetermined tolerance. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150127130 | Robotics Connector - A modular industrial robotics (MIR) connector object module has a graphical image property for a 3D solid model program. It also includes a component identifier property configured to identify a component in the 3D solid model program and an abstract data type property having a coordinate transform matrix describing a 3D position and orientation of the MIR connector object module relative to a coordinate system of the component in the 3D solid model program. The MIR connector object module is configured to be attachable to one of multiple components in the 3D solid model program. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127131 | METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING DESIGN-FOR-MANUFACTURABILITY CHECKS - One variation of a method for implementing design-for-manufacturing checks during construction of a virtual model of a real part includes: in response to insertion of a virtual feature into the virtual model, estimating a minimum stock geometry for the real part based on the virtual feature; selecting a first material stock cross-section from a set of available material stock cross-sections of a material designated for the real part based on the minimum stock geometry; at a first time, prompting a user to adjust a dimension of the virtual feature to enable production of the real part with a second material stock cross-section in the set of material stock cross-sections, less than the first material stock cross-section; at a second time succeeding the first time, submitting, to a manufacturing facility and over a computer network, an order for production of a unit of the real part according to the virtual model. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127132 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING CUSTOM-FIT EYE WEAR GEOMETRY FOR PRINTING AND FABRICATION - Embodiments disclosed herein provide a system and a method for generating custom-fit eyewear frame geometry that can be used for custom-fit eyewear frame modeling, fabrication and printing. The custom-fit eyewear frame geometry is obtained using a basic eyewear frame geometry template having predefined measurements. The predefined measurements of the basic frame geometry template is modified based on multi-dimensional scanned data of user's head and one or more landmarks of the scanned data in order to obtain the custom-fit eyewear frame geometry. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150134094 | Systems and Processes for Forming Anatomical Features in Dentures - The system of a preferred embodiment uses a process whereby a true replication of the patient's jaw structure is created in a digital three dimensional model. This true replication is then used to precisely locate and/or copy the anatomical landmarks of the patient for use in fabricating a denture base for use in a denture for the individual patient. This system is able to to create a denture with precisely located features corresponding to the anatomical landmarks of the patient with little manual intervention. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134095 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADDING UTILITY HOLES TO PRINTABLE 3-DIMENSIONAL MODELS - A computer implemented method and apparatus for automatically adding utility holes to printable 3D models by accessing a digital representation of a 3D model; accessing specifications that define the geometry of a utility hole to be included with the 3D model; performing a heuristic evaluation of the digital representation of the 3D model to determine one of one or more possible placements of the utility hole to be included with the 3D model as a placement for the utility hole; modifying the digital representation of the 3D model so as to include the utility hole at the placement; and providing a modified digital representation of the 3D model for printing. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134096 | COLOUR 3-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING WITH 3D GAMUT MAPPING - Provided is a Layered Object Manufacturing, LOM, system configured to form a coloured three-dimensional (3D) object, the system comprising: a 3D object gamut mapping module configured to define a 3D object formed from a plurality of surfaces and provide a printing regime consistent with the defined 3D object, wherein the 3D object gamut mapping module is configured to analyse the orientation of a surface of each of a plurality of media layers to be printed in order to adaptively modify the colour printed to that layer; and a printer configured to colour print at least a portion of a first surface of each of the plurality of layers in accordance with the printing regime. Also provided is a colour 3D object media layer printing module for providing a print-through region in a 3D object media layer. Also provided is a 3D object gamut mapping method, and ink for use in a Layer Object Manufacturing (LOM) system including the printing module. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150142149 | Method and computer-based tool for composite-structure fabrication design - A computer system and method are provided for generating a composite-structure fabrication design. During execution of the method on the computer system, a plurality of user interfaces prompt a user to enter generic design criteria as well as specific fabrication rules. Both generic design criteria and specified fabrication rules are considered simultaneously when determining candidates for fabrication designs. An optimization routine applied to the candidates yields an optimum fabrication design. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142150 | METHOD OF DIGITALLY CONSTRUCTING A PROSTHESIS - A prosthetic limb and process to digitally construct a prosthetic limb which includes first, digitally producing a modified mold of a residual limb via 3d scanners and software known to the industry; constructing a test socket from the digitally modified mold and be equipped with an alignable system; for example, a pylon, along with the desired prosthetic foot; accurately scanning the test socket, preferably with a 3D scanner, along with finalized alignment that has been recorded and adjusted by a certified practitioner to provide a 3-D Image of the finalized prosthetic alignment; transferring the finalized digital alignment of the test socket to the finalized digitally modified mold; once the modified model has received the transferred alignment, fabricating the type of hookup in the socket; i.e., plug fit, four hole, support drop lock, or any other type of industry standard connection or accommodation via basic 3D software; and once the desired prosthetic attachment is finalized, the next step is to send the finished file to a 3-D printer to produce the definitive prosthetic device. The 3-D printed socket would then be placed in a vibratory finishing system to smooth out the interior and exterior surfaces of the printed socket; and the walls of the 3-D printed socket would be sealed by applying a mixture of epoxy sealant, for example, TC-1614, to the inside and outside walls of the socket, and placing the socket into an oven for a sufficient amount of time to seal the walls of the socket. Preferably, the prosthesis would be printed out of Nylon 12 material or of a strong plastic, such as ULTEM®, or carbon fiber, or other material of equivalent or greater strength that may be known or developed in the future. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142151 | METHOD FOR TRANSFORMING A THREE DIMENSIONAL DIGITAL MODEL IN A SPACE OBJECT MADE OF SHEET MATERIAL - The invention relates to a method for transforming a three dimensional digital model in a space object made of sheet material. The method allows the shape forming elements of the sheet matrix to be permanently or temporarily fixed so that it can be used for circulation copies or unique pieces of the space object in material. The method according to the invention included the object is a three dimensional digital model ( | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142152 | INTELLIGENT 3D PRINTER AND METHOD - A 3D printer system and related methods. The 3D printer system includes a processor and an accessible memory. The accessible memory includes a CAD kernel and a product file that defines a CAD solid model. The 3D printer system is particularly configured to execute the CAD kernel using the processor, process the product file using the CAD kernel to produce the CAD solid model, and produce a solid physical object corresponding to the CAD solid model. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142153 | Three-dimensional Object Development - A computer implemented method and an object development system (ODS) for developing a three-dimensional (3D) object are provided. The ODS receives a 3D image in one or more image formats from one or more sources. The ODS determines object development requirements and a display type of the received 3D image. The ODS creates a support structure based on the object development requirements and the display type. The support structure includes one or more branching elements movably attached to each other and/or a support element for facilitating movement in the 3D object. The ODS fits the received 3D image on the support structure and constructs a multi-layered volumetric 3D image therefrom. The ODS segments the multi-layered volumetric 3D image into multiple 3D printable units. The ODS transmits the 3D printable units to one or more 3D printing devices for printing each 3D printable unit for assembling and developing the 3D object. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150148930 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESERVING STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF 3-DIMENSIONAL MODELS WHEN PRINTING AT VARYING SCALES - A computer implemented method and apparatus for preserving structural integrity of 3-D models when printing at varying scales, by use of a cueing model. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148931 | METHOD FOR GENERATING AND BUILDING SUPPORT STRUCTURES WITH DEPOSITION-BASED DIGITAL MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS - A method for generating data for a support structure to be built with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the method comprising generating a convex hull polygon based on a boundary polygon of a layer of the support structure, offsetting the convex hull polygon inward, offsetting the boundary polygon outward, and generating an intersection boundary polygon based at least in part on the offset boundary polygon and the offset convex hull polygon. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150294030 | PRINTING A THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECT ABOUT A PREFORMED STRUCTURE - A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes obtaining a data file that includes print instructions for causing a three dimensional printer to print a three dimensional object, wherein the data file describes external surfaces of the object, and providing user instructions for positioning a preformed structure so that the three dimensional printer can print the object around the preformed structure, wherein the preformed structure has a size and a shape to be subsumed within the external surfaces of the object. The method further includes modifying the print instructions so that the printer will print the object around the preformed structure, and printing material around the preformed structure using the modified print instructions to form the object. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294033 | PRINTING A THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECT ABOUT A PREFORMED STRUCTURE - A method includes obtaining a data file that includes print instructions for causing a three dimensional printer to print a three dimensional object, wherein the data file describes external surfaces of the object, and providing user instructions for positioning a preformed structure so that the three dimensional printer can print the object around the preformed structure, wherein the preformed structure has a size and a shape to be subsumed within the external surfaces of the object. The method further comprises modifying the print instructions so that the printer will print the object around the preformed structure, and printing material around the preformed structure using the modified print instructions to form the object. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150297309 | Methods And Systems For Selecting Surgical Approaches - Described herein are methods and systems for selecting surgical approaches. One example method involves (1) receiving data indicating (a) one or more surgical target regions and (b) one or more surgical portals; (2) determining a plurality of surgical pathways; (3) determining a plurality of surgical approaches; (4) for each surgical approach in the plurality of surgical approaches, determining at least one approach characteristic, for each determined surgical pathway in the respective surgical approach, determining at least one pathway characteristic, and determining a surgical-approach ranking based on the determined at least one approach characteristic and the determined at least one pathway characteristic; (5) selecting a subset of the plurality of surgical approaches based on the determined surgical approach rankings; and (6) causing an output device to provide a representation of the selected subset of the plurality of surgical approaches. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150297429 | Measuring Jig - The invention provides a measurement apparatus (jig) comprising at least one adjustable component to enable at least one measurement to be taken for bespoke configuration of customised seated user equipment (such as a wheelchair). It is particularly suited for use in the design or construction of a sporting wheelchair or disabled apparatus. The jig may comprise part of a system comprising measuring means for taking measurements relating to the set configuration of adjustable components of the jig. The measuring means may comprise electronic or optical means, such as position sensors, pressure sensors, or a camera. The system may also comprise a computer-implemented modelling component arranged to generate a visual representation of the customised wheelchair or other appliance constructed in accordance with the set configuration of adjustable components of the jig. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150301519 | Methods, Systems, and Devices for Designing and Manufacturing Flank Millable Components - Methods, systems, and devices for designing and manufacturing flank millable components. In one embodiment, devices, systems, and methods for designing a flank millable component are provided, in which a user is notified when a component geometry option is selected that will result in the component not being flank millable. In another embodiment, the user is prevented from selecting a geometry option that would result in the component not being flank millable. In yet another embodiment, devices, systems, and methods are provided for manufacturing a component with a flank milling process, in which optimized machine instructions are determined that minimize milling machine motion. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150306769 | CALIBRATION FOR ROBOTIC SYSTEMS - The robot calibration systems combine a work object with an industrial robot and a robot tool. Three different work objects can be used with the system. This technology enables the user to visually see a robotic reference frame, a frame in space that is relative to the industrial robot and workpiece that is otherwise abstract. Enabling the user to visually see the robotic reference frame on the manufacturing shop floor enables adjustment of the robotic frame to the shop floor and correction of a robotic path or off-line program to enhance accuracy. Two laser beams are emitted and intersect at a laser intersection point. The laser intersection point and the laser beams are then used to define a robotic reference frame. The technology improves cost and time factors in applications where absolutely accurate robots are not necessary. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150306824 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD, FOR PRODUCING A THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTED FIGURINE - A system, apparatus and method for producing a 3D figurine is provided. The system comprises: a mounting rig having assembled and unassembled states, mounting rig defining a space therein when assembled, and being portable when unassembled; cameras attached to mounting rig when assembled, the cameras arranged for capturing at least two viewing angles of a substantial portion of surface points of the subject; and, a computing device comprising a processor and a communication interface, the computing device in communication with each of the cameras using the, the processor configured to: coordinate the cameras to capture respective image data at substantially a same time; receive images comprising the respective image data from the cameras; and, transmit, using the interface, the images to a server for processing into a 3D printer file. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150309494 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING APPARATUS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING METHOD - A three-dimensional printing apparatus receives or generates three-dimensional data representing a shape of a three-dimensional object to be formed, and generates cross-sectional image data from the three-dimensional data to form the three-dimensional object in accordance with the generated cross-sectional image data. The apparatus includes a display that presents images, a generator that adds thickness information to the cross-sectional image data of each layer of the object, thus generating layer image data three-dimensionally representing each layer of the object, an output interface that outputs the generated layer image data, and a display controller that causes the display to present a first image upon formation of a predetermined layer of the object in accordance with the cross-sectional image data of the predetermined layer. The first image is based on the layer image data of the predetermined layer output from the output. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150309502 | MANAGING PROVENANCE AND AUTHENTICITY FOR DIGITALLY MANUFACTURED OBJECTS - Methods, apparatus and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include loading a digital model to a digital manufacturing system having a manufacturing tolerance, and manufacturing, by the digital manufacturing system using the digital model, multiple objects. For each given object, one or more fingerprint measurements of the given object are collected from a fingerprint sensing device having a fingerprint resolution better than the manufacturing tolerance, and using the one or more fingerprint measurements, a unique digital fingerprint is created. The unique digital fingerprint can be stored to a provenance database. Subsequent to storing the unique digital fingerprints, one or more authentication measurements of an authentication object can be collected, and using the one or more authentication measurements, an authentication digital fingerprint can be created. The authentication object can be authenticated by locating a given unique digital fingerprint in the provenance database matching the authentication digital fingerprint. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150317412 | FABRICATING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS WITH EMBOSSING - The claimed subject matter includes techniques for designing three-dimensional (3D) objects for fabrication. An example method includes obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) mesh comprising polygons and obtaining a two-dimensional (2D) image. The method also includes receiving position information describing a location of the 2D image relative to the 3D mesh and modifying the 3D mesh based on the 2D image and the position information to generate an embossed 3D mesh that is embossed with the 2D image. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317428 | PROCESS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING AND DESIGN OF OFF-HIGHWAY DUMP BODIES - A method of loading material into a dump body of a truck using a loading bucket whose volumetric capacity is approximately ⅓ or more than that of the dump body is provided. The dump body having side walls that are spaced relatively wider than conventional dump bodies. The loading bucket having a gate at a lower end thereof that when free swings open and causes the material contained in the loading bucket to drop into the dump body. The method including the steps of filling the loading bucket with an amount of earthen material and centering the loading bucket over the dump body. The bucket is then lowered to a position that: (1) substantially minimizes the clearance between the floor of the dump body and the swinging gate in its freed position; (2) allows the swinging gate to clear the side walls of the dump body as it swings through an arc after it is freed, and (3) allows the material to be discharged substantially in the center of the dump body. The swinging gate is then freed so as to open the bucket and allow the material held in the bucket to drop into the dump body. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150321425 | 3D Printing of Colored Models on Multi-Head Printers - This document describes techniques and apparatuses for 3D printing for colored models on multi-head fused-deposition modeling (FDM) printers. These techniques are capable of enabling FDM printers to create 3D objects based on colored models, in some cases by determining printer instructions for multiple printer heads based on a 3D model and color data for the surface of the 3D model. These techniques can also tailor printer instructions to characteristics of a particular type or individual FDM 3D printer. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150321427 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING PROGRAMMABLE PARTS FOR MODELS AND OPTIMIZING 3D PRINTING - Systems and techniques include, in at least one aspect, a method including receiving user selection of parts from a plurality of virtual parts to build a virtual 3D model in a modeling environment, receiving user instruction for modifying or assembling of at least one of the selected parts within the modeling environment, validating the user instruction against physical constraints of an associated 3D printer; and outputting the virtual 3D model for 3D printing on the associated 3D printer after the validating. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150324490 | USER SPECIFIC DESIGN CUSTOMIZATION FOR 3D PRINTING - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for determining 3D printing customizations for a user. One of the methods includes receiving data indicating a selection of a product design by a user for creation of a three-dimensional product that includes a plurality of attributes, determining a style which includes values for some of the plurality of attributes and that is associated with the user, for each of the plurality of attributes determining whether the style includes a value for the respective attribute, and upon determining that the style includes a value for the respective attribute, customizing the product design using the value for the respective attribute, or upon determining that the style does not include a value for the respective attribute, customizing the product design using a default value for the respective attribute, and providing data for the customized product design for the three-dimensional product. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150327961 | SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR FORMING ANATOMICAL FEATURES IN DENTURES - The system of a preferred embodiment uses a process whereby a true replication of the patient's jaw structure is created in a digital three dimensional model. This true replication is then used to precisely locate and/or copy the anatomical landmarks of the patient for use in fabricating a denture base for use in a denture for the individual patient. This system is able to create a denture with precisely located features corresponding to the anatomical landmarks of the patient with little manual intervention. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150328004 | Bone Reconstruction and Orthopedic Implants - A method of constructing a patient-specific orthopedic implant comprising: (a) comparing a patient-specific abnormal bone model, derived from an actual anatomy of a patient's abnormal bone, with a reconstructed patient-specific bone model, also derived from the anatomy of the patient's bone, where the reconstructed patient-specific bone model reflects a normalized anatomy of the patient's bone, and where the patient-specific abnormal bone model reflects an actual anatomy of the patient's bone including at least one of a partial bone, a deformed bone, and a shattered bone, wherein the patient-specific abnormal bone model comprises at least one of a patient-specific abnormal point cloud and a patient-specific abnormal bone surface model, and wherein the reconstructed patient-specific bone model comprises at least one of a reconstructed patient-specific point cloud and a reconstructed patient-specific bone surface model; (b) optimizing one or more parameters for a patient-specific orthopedic implant to be mounted to the patient's abnormal bone using data output from comparing the patient-specific abnormal bone model to the reconstructed patient-specific bone model; and, (c) generating an electronic design file for the patient-specific orthopedic implant taking into account the one or more parameters. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150328839 | DYNAMIC REAL-TIME SLICE ENGINE FOR 3D PRINTING - Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for 3D printing without preprocessing a CAD model before delivery to a 3D printer. The CAD model for a design to be printed is received by a 3D printer. Instructions are generated for printing the first slice. While the instructions are used to start printing the CAD model, dynamic real-time slicing is performed on a remaining portion of the CAD model. Preprocessed data, model analysis information or real-time feedback is received during the printing of a respective slice. A next slice is identified, and slicing parameters are adjusted, including adjusting a slicing parameter for the next slice. Instructions for printing the next slice are generated. The next slice is printed based on the generated instructions. Dynamic real-time slicing is repeated to generate a then next slice and associated printing instructions. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150328840 | USE OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CUSTOM WEARABLE AND/OR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150333412 | Array Antenna With Optimized Elements Positions And Dimensions - A method of manufacturing an array antenna comprising: a design phase wherein an array layout of said array antenna is synthesized and radiating elements are designed to be arranged according to said array layout; and a phase of physically making said array antenna wherein the radiating elements are arranged according to said array layout. The design phase comprises the steps of: defining a continuous reference aperture; subdividing said continuous reference aperture into a plurality of elementary cells with assigned power levels; determining, within each said elementary cell, a position for at least one maximum efficiency radiating element; determining a size and an aperture field amplitude of each said maximum efficiency radiating element, such that a variation of a cumulative field distribution of the resulting array antenna aperture over each said elementary cell is substantially equal to a variation of a cumulative field distribution of said reference aperture over the same elementary cell, subject to size constraints. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150336337 | PROCESS FOR MOLDING A 3-DIMENSIONAL PART - A process uses predictive modeling software for selectively applying relief cuts and tension to the fibers in a 2-dimensional panel prior to shaping the panel into a 3-dimensional part. The predictive modeling software identifies areas of fiber tension in the final molded product, and relief cuts are made in those areas. The plies are loaded into grippers attached to a supporting frame and predictive modeling software is used to identify areas of fiber compression in the final molded product. Tension is applied to the identified areas of fiber compression. The panel is molded in a form and cure press, and the tension is maintained on the material while closing the mold halves. The molded part is able to conform to the final mold shape without tearing in areas of tension and without material buildup in areas of compression in the final molded part or post mold distortion. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150343706 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR PRODUCING PROTOTYPE DIAGRAM OF THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECT - A method, an apparatus and a computer readable medium for producing a prototype diagram of a three dimensional (3D) object are provided. In the method, an object in a 3D diagram is scanned to determine transections and intersections at which each of the transections overlaps with the object are determined in order. Then, whether each of the intersections is supported on a neighbor transection of the transection is determined. If the intersection is not supported on the neighbor transection, a support frame is disposed on the location of the intersection between the transection and the neighbor transection. At last, all the transections are combined to produce a prototype diagram of the object. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150343708 | MEDICAL 3D PRINTING CONEX - The present disclosure provides devices and methods for obtaining images of body parts, implants, instruments and models to provide for a mobile hospital, operating room, and/or facility to print desired tools or prostheses. A Conex of the present disclosure includes a computer, image scanning device, printer, and raw materials, and optionally an autoclave and second, product verification scanner. All of these components will be co-located within the Conex. The operator of the Conex will also have access to a database with stored data relating to the large number of objects needed in surgical applications (such as tools and anatomical norms of bone and tissue), allowing the ability to field a mobile hospital at a greatly reduced weight, cost and time. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150347710 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC CUTTING BLOCK AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A patient-specific cutting assembly comprises a model file including geometrical data of a bone of the patient, of an intramedullary canal of the bone, and a planned orientation of a cutting block. A fixing rod is adapted to be longitudinally inserted in and extending partially from the intramedullary canal. A patient-specific cutting block is connectable to the fixing rod. The patient-specific cutting block includes a structure having a patient specific geometry corresponding to the model file of the patient, the structure configured to be connected to a portion of the fixing rod projecting from the bone in a unique coupling orientation. A cutting guide is connected to the structure, the cutting guide being in the planned orientation when the structure is connected to the portion of the fixing rod projecting from the bone. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150350278 | SECURE STREAMING METHOD IN A NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED MANUFACTURING SYSTEM, AND A SECURE NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED MANUFACTURING SYSTEM - Secure streaming method in a numerically controlled manufacturing system, where the 3D file of the 3D object such as a CAD file or STL file is not sent to the manufacturing machine, but is kept in asecured system. Instead, only the instructions for controlling the manufacturing machine (e.g., so called G-codes) are streamed to the manufacturing machine. Such instructions are secured so that only a specific manufacturing machine can make use of them. To this end, the set of instructions may be encoded, e.g., hashed on a secure server, using a server hash table while the manufacturing machine is provided with a local lookup hash table that is synchronized, e.g., loosely synchronized with the serve's hash table for converting the hashed instructions back to instructions suitable for operating the manufacturing machine. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150351467 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CREATING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - In the field of protective equipment, a method can be provided for design and manufacture of protective equipment that allows for a degree of customization to provide enhanced performance characteristics without incurring high cost. In some examples, the method includes a method of determining a mold for a body part including the steps of inputting body part information, searching a database of existing anatomical components and selecting components that most closely match the information, searching a database of body part models and selecting at least one body part model that closely corresponds to the selected components, creating a body part model from the selected components, comparing the two models and determining which model is most appropriate and using a mold associated with that model. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150352791 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING APPARATUS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING SYSTEM - A method for controlling a three-dimensional printing apparatus and a three-dimensional printing system are provided. The method is applicable to controlling a tank of the three-dimensional printing apparatus and includes the following steps. A plurality of layer objects of a three-dimensional object are obtained according to a three-dimensional model, and the layer objects include a first layer object. A structural friability level of the first layer object is obtained according to cross-section information and a printing sequence of the first layer object. A swing velocity of the tank is determined according to the structural friability level. The tank is controlled to swing according to the swing velocity corresponding to the first layer object, such that the cured first layer object is separated from a bottom of the tank. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150352792 | 3D modeling and printing methods based on specification of height and width of each part - The purpose of this invention is to enable forming 3D objects by a 3D printer with preserving 3D-printability by drawing free curves and lines by the nozzle, by keeping printed filament at the designed location, and by printing automatically without disturbed by obstacles. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150352793 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING SOCKETS FOR PROSTHETIC LIMBS - A socket for a prosthetic limb is created by making a cast of a residual limb. Marks can be applied to the interior surface of the cast to indicate the locations of anatomical features of the residual limb. The marked interior surface can be scanned and the scan data can be sent to a master fabrication center. The scan data can be modified and a master can be produced from the modified scan data. The socket can then be formed from the plastic material on the master. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150352794 | DISTORTION PREDICTION AND MINIMISATION IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING - A method of minimising distortion in a workpiece is described that includes utilizing a computer system to carry out finite element analysis on a finite element thermo-mechanical model of the workpiece during and after fabrication by additive manufacturing to predict shape distortion and residual stress development in the workpiece, wherein the fabrication includes the fabrication step of depositing multiple layers of a material melted by a heat source along a deposit path on a substrate, and introducing alterations to the workpiece prior to or during fabrication to compensate for the predicted distortion. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150355459 | System, Method and Computer Program Product For Photometric System Design and Environmental Ruggedization - A photometric system design methodology employs genetic algorithms to optimize the selection of optical elements for inclusion in the photometric system in order to improve system performance with respect to environmental conditions (i.e., to “ruggedize” the photometric system). The genetic algorithms utilize a multi-objective fitness function to evolve simulated optical element selection, which may be a combination of optical filters and integrated computational elements. The system may also output a size reduced database that serve as simulated candidate optical elements through global optimization, or may output a fixed number of simulated optical elements through conditional optimization for actual tool implementation and calibration analysis | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150362898 | OBJECT PRODUCTION USING AN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS - A method and apparatus for producing an object ( | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150362899 | CLOUD COMPUTING SYSTEM, VEHICLE CLOUD PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A cloud computing system includes a network interface for interfacing with a wide area network. At least one wireless transceiver engages in bidirectional communication with a plurality of vehicle cloud processing devices within a corresponding plurality of vehicles in at least one vehicle aggregation location. A network control device receives requests for at least one cloud computing service via the wide area network and facilitates the at least one cloud computing service via the bidirectional communication with the plurality of vehicle cloud processing devices. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150367578 | REMOVING SHARP CUSPS FROM 3D SHAPES FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING - A method for processing a three-dimensional (3D) mesh model includes receiving a 3D mesh model. One or more regions including a potential sharp cusp are automatically detected. The automatically detected one or more regions are displayed to a user and an active region of the 3D mesh model is defined by the user. Sphere fitting and Laplacian smoothing are applied to the designated active region to remove a sharp cusp therefrom and to obtain a modified 3D mesh model. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150367579 | PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR DIRECT FABRICATION OF A PART ON A STRUCTURE - A process for direct fabrication of a part at a predetermined structural position. The process comprises: a) scanning, via a three-dimensional scanner, the structure in the region of the predetermined position; b) comparing a virtual surface mesh of the predetermined position with a real surface mesh of the predetermined position, the real surface mesh calculated based on data obtained from the scanning; c) determining the gaps between the two meshes; d) calculating the data for modeling an inserted part, the dimensions of which fill up the determined gaps, to obtain an inserted part model; e) merging of a virtual model of a part, linked with the predetermined position, with the inserted part model, to obtain a model adjusted to the geometry of the structure in the region of the predetermined position; f) fabricating, by material deposition, an adjusted part at the predetermined position based on the adjusted model. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150367580 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAPING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING THE SAME - A three-dimensional shaping apparatus according to the present invention includes a shaping stage, an ascending/descending unit, a shaping head, a light sensor, and a light source. The shaping stage is configured to carry a shaped object. The ascending/descending unit is movable at least along a vertical direction with respect to the shaping stage. The shaping head is mounted on the ascending/descending unit. The light source is configured to emit light directed toward the light sensor. One of either the light sensor or the light source is mounted movable in accordance with movement of the ascending/descending unit, while the other of either the light sensor or the light source is disposed fixedly relative to the shaping stage. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150370958 | ADDITIVE SMOOTHING OF SHARP CONCAVE EDGES ON DESIGNED 3D PRINTABLE POLYGONAL MESH MODELS - A method for designing a personalized medical device includes receiving a template design of a medical device. An image including a patient anatomical geometry is acquired. The template design is combined with the image including the patient anatomical geometry to create a custom medical device design. A region of interest encompassing the sharp concave edge is automatically identified within the custom medical device design using one or more seed points received from a user. Surface smoothing of the custom medical device design is performed within the region of interest to bolster a thickness of the custom medical device design. A 3D-printable model is obtained from the surface smoothed custom medical device design. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150374028 | EVALUATING POROSITY DISTRIBUTION WITHIN A POROUS ROD - A method is provided for evaluating porosity distribution within a porous article such as a crimped filter, a tobacco plug, or a cigarette, including obtaining a digital image of a transverse area of the article and determining a pore area fraction for each of a plurality of identically dimensioned sub-areas of the transverse area of the article. This provides a plurality of pore area fractions. The plurality of pore area fractions allow the evaluation of a local porosity distribution within the transverse area of the porous article. Each sub-area within which a pore area fraction is calculated overlaps with at least one adjacent sub-area by between 10% and 95%. The method for quantitatively evaluating porosity distribution may be used to control a process for manufacturing the porous article. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150375393 | OFFLINE TEACHING DEVICE USING SIMULATION - An offline teaching device has a calculation unit which calculates a second position of a second tool on a work line which is separated by a predetermined distance from a first position of a first tool on the work line, calculates a workpiece position where the first tool in the first position contacts or adjoins the workpiece, and calculates a workpiece position and posture such that the second tool in the second position contacts or adjoins the workpiece by changing the posture of the workpiece from the workpiece position with respect to the first tool, while maintaining the work posture of the first tool, and has a generation unit which generates a robot teaching position based on the position and posture of the workpiece and the holding position of the workpiece, and generates a program such that the first tool and the second tool pass along the work line. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150375445 | MAPPING FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL SURFACES - The present disclosure includes a method for modifying an input image to map to a three dimensional shape prior to forming the three dimensional shape. The method includes receiving by a processor at least two pre-forming images of a locally unique non-repeating pattern printed on an input material. The at least two pre-forming images are captured prior to the input material being formed into the three dimensional shape. The method further includes receiving by the processor at least two post-forming images of the pattern printed on the input material, wherein the post-forming images are captured after the input material has been formed into the three dimensional shape and analyzing by the processor the at least pre-forming images and the at least two post-forming images to determine a translation table. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377491 | COMBUSTION TURBINE ENGINE COMBUSTOR BASKET IGNITER PORT ALIGNMENT VERIFICATION TOOL AND METHOD FOR VALIDATING IGNITER ALIGNMENT - A combustion turbine engine combustor igniter port alignment and dimensional verification tool is insertable in guide tube and igniter boss portions of the igniter port. The tool has concentrically nested outer and inner sleeves, having respective circumferential profiles that are separately slidably insertable within corresponding igniter port guide tube and igniter boss portions that have inner circumferential profiles in conformance with minimal dimension specifications. Concentric alignment of the guide tube and igniter boss is validated by inserting the nested outer and inner sleeves into the igniter port. The verification tool is capable of validating igniter port alignment and dimensions before the combustor is installed in a combustion turbine engine. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150382123 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PERSONALIZED EARPHONE - This disclosure relates to a system and method for producing a personalized earphone unit forming a comfort fit with ears of a user. The system comprises a mobile application installed in an electronic communication device and/or a website accessible by any networkable device for capturing images and video of the ears of the user. The images and video may be examined automatically using the mobile application and/or the website, and the video and/or images are uploaded to a server. The server stores and processes the images and video and sends them to a three dimensional printer unit for generating the personalized earphone unit. Audio electronic components are added to the personalized earphone unit for creating a functional and custom fit personalized earphone unit for an individual user that fit well into the ears. The system allows sharing and marketing of a plurality of designs and products of the earphone unit. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160000188 | PROTECTIVE PATIENT FOOTWEAR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING SYSTEM AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to a design and manufacturing system for protective patient footwear, as well as related methods. The system includes suitable hardware, software, and related peripherals, which function to acquire data related to the patient's particular footwear needs, such as by three-dimensional scanning. A design subsystem interfaces with the inputted data to permit the resulting design to reflect particular foot conditions in the design and subsequent manufacturing process. A manufacturing subsystem receives the resulting design and includes hardware and software to manufacture the protective patient footwear. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160001509 | ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURE UTILIZING LAYER-BY-LAYER THERMO-MECHANICAL ANALYSIS - A method of operating an additive manufacturing system utilizing a layer-by-layer thermo-mechanical analysis system includes the steps of pre-modeling a structure or workpiece into a plurality of slices stacked from a bottom slice to a top slice of the plurality of slices, assuming a second slice modeled immediately below a first slice is a rigid substrate, and run a response force analysis for the first slice. The analysis system may reiterate this process for each slice calculating a force distribution map for each slice, and adding the force distribution maps to a total response force map of the entire structure. The additive manufacturing system may then use the total response force map to optimize material properties for selected regions of each slice to a sacrificial support structure and/or the final product. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160004247 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING COMPONENTS OF VARIOUS PRODUCT DESIGNS - A system comprising means mounted on a worktable of a machine for displacing a cutting tool along x, y and z axes, and a control computer programmed to store data relevant to the geometrical configuration of at least one product design and the components thereof, displaying a selected one product design, elicit alterations of such design, revise any such alterations and components thereof, nest the components of the selected design, device a cutting tool pattern for producing such components and operate servomotors to guide such cutting tool to form such components from a workpiece mounted on such worktable. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160004791 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELS IN A PRODUCT MANAGEMENT APPLICATION - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) assembly on-demand in a product management system, such as a product lifecycle management (PLM) system. The method includes electronically creating and storing one or more instance objects in the product management system. Another step includes electronically mapping the one or more instance objects to function information in the product management system. The method also includes electronically receiving, via a network portal, user input regarding a selection of one or more functions representing product information from the product management system. Still another step includes electronically generating the 3D assembly based on one or more of the mapped instance objects and the user input. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160015466 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A CUSTOM ARTHROPLASTY GUIDE - A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (x | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160016312 | A Supervised Autonomous Robotic System for Complex Surface Inspection and Processing - The invention disclosed herein describes a supervised autonomy system designed to precisely model, inspect and process the surfaces of complex three-dimensional objects. The current application context for this system is laser coating removal of aircraft, but this invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications that require close, precise positioning and maneuvering of an inspection or processing tool over the entire surface of a physical object. For example, this system, in addition to laser coating removal, could also apply new coatings, perform fine-grained or gross inspection tasks, deliver and/or use manufacturing process tools or instruments, and/or verify the results of other manufacturing processes such as but not limited to welding, riveting, or the placement of various surface markings or fixtures. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160016362 | MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - The present disclosure provides a mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with a | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160016363 | 3D PRINTER AND GESTURE BASED INTUITIVE HUMAN INTERFACES FOR DESIGN OF VEHICLES AND OTHER OBJECTS - The invention concerns new computer aided methods and apparatus for designing objects, particularly 3D objects, and especially those having a sculpted form such as found in automobiles, boats, planes, furniture and certain fashion apparel items. Preferred embodiments employ optical sensing, of the designers' hands, fingers, or styling implements, as well as other sensors such as gyros accelerometers and the like as desired. The invention utilizes a specialized form of 3-D printing which produces data incorporating intermediate models for use in the design process. The invention we feel can enable a much larger segment of the population to design 3D objects as well as encourage a high degree of collaboration via the internet or other means. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160018814 | Method for Balancing a Rotating Part in Order to Produce a Machined and Balanced Rotating Part - A method for balancing a rotating part in order to produce a machined and balanced rotating part, from a blank of a rotating part comprising a step of virtual machining of the digital model of the blank, so as to calculate an intermediate digital model in the target reference frame comprising the motor shaft; at least one step of modifying the geometric reference frame of the digital model of the blank in order to make the axis of inertia of the intermediate digital model match the nominal axis of rotation of the motor in the target reference frame; steps of iterative calculation of the previous steps until the discrepancy between the calculated axis of inertia and the nominal motor shaft is lower than a threshold value; and the final step consisting of controlling an actual machining apparatus. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160019270 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEARCHING A MACHINING KNOWLEDGE DATABASE - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for searching a machining knowledge database that includes stored 3D models and associated stored part signatures. The stored part signatures each include a shape metric that corresponds to geometric attributes of the corresponding 3D model. Methods include receiving input from a user relating to an input part, determining an input part signature that includes a shape metric that corresponds to geometric attributes of the input part, searching the machining knowledge database for similar 3D models based at least in part on the input part signature, and providing the search result to the user. Methods may include associating the input in the machining knowledge database and/or utilizing the search result, for example visualizing a comparison of the input and the search result. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160022472 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PROTRUSION SPLINT - A method for manufacturing a protrusion splint comprising an upper support area configured to provide a defined abutment of a maxilla area, and a lower support area configured to provide a defined abutment of a mandible area. The method includes fixing the maxilla area and the mandible area in a first position so that the mandible area is shifted forward relative to the mandible area. A three-dimensional image data set of an air passage in a region of a trachea is created in the first position. The air passage is checked whether an opening value of the air passage corresponds to a target value. A second position of the maxilla area and of the mandible area to each other is defined depending on the checking. The protrusion splint is manufactured so that the mandible area is held relative to the maxilla area in the second position. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160031162 | MODIFYING THREE-DIMENSIONAL BUILDS BASED ON AVAILABLE INVENTORY - A variety of techniques for color mixing support a user-controllable palette of colors for use when fabricating three-dimensional objects. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033957 | COMPUTER PROGRAM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING A CRANKSHAFT - A method for evaluating a crankshaft. The method comprises receiving data related to a three dimensional scan of the crankshaft, generating a crankshaft computer model based on the data, and determining whether the crankshaft is suitable for machining into a machined crankshaft based on the crankshaft computer model. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160045171 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING PATIENT ENGAGEMENT VIA MEDICAL AVATARS - Certain examples provide systems, methods, and apparatus for patient care and support. An example apparatus includes a controller including a particularly programmed processor to generate a three-dimensional model for printing a three-dimensional model of a portion of a patient anatomy to form a physical avatar. The example printed three-dimensional model is formed based on image data obtained of the patient. The example controller is configured to link electronics in the physical avatar to a virtual avatar at the controller. The example virtual avatar is formed based on an electronic record for the patient. The example virtual avatar is to interact with the physical avatar via the controller according to a treatment plan. The example apparatus also includes a communication device to facilitate exchange of information between the controller and the physical avatar. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160045317 | Kinematic and Parameterized Modeling for Patient-Adapted Implants, Tools, and Surgical Procedures - Patient-adapted articular repair systems, including implants, instruments, and surgical plans, and methods of making and using such systems, are disclosed herein. In particular, various embodiments include methods of selecting and/or designing patient-adapted surgical repair systems using parameterized models and/or multibody simulations. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160046076 | STATISTICAL PREDICTIVE MODELING AND COMPENSATION OF GEOMETRIC DEVIATIONS OF 3D PRINTED PRODUCTS - A non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable storage media may contain a program of instructions that causes a computer system having a processor running the program of instructions to: receive design information indicative of the design of a three-dimensional object to be printed by a three-dimensional printer; receive test product deformation information indicative of deformation in the profiles of no more than five, three-dimensional test products that have a circular or polygonal cross section that were made by the three-dimensional printer; generate polygon product deformation information indicative of a predicted deformation of a polygon shape that the three-dimensional printer will print and that has a number of sides and a number of sizes that are both different from each of the number of sides and number of sizes that the no more than five, three-dimensional test products have; and generate adjustment information indicative of an adjustment needed to print a desired profile of the polygon shape that the three-dimensional printer will print to make the printed shape accurate | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160048609 | OBJECT RECOGNITION FOR 3D PRINTING - A process and system scan an object to generate a first 3D digital model of the object. Further, the process and system send data corresponding to the first 3D digital model to a server that is in communication with a database of high quality 3D digital models of a plurality of objects. In addition, the process and system receive a second 3D digital model of the object from the server based upon a matching of the first 3D digital model and the second 3D digital model, the second 3D digital model having a higher resolution of the object than the first 3D digital model. The process and system also print a 3D replica of the object based upon the second 3D digital model. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160048619 | SYSTEM AND METHOD USED IN DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND OPERATION OF METAL FORMING TOOLS - Metal forming tool design or metal forming manufacture utilize computer aided design to generate initial tool geometry and/or to optimize or investigate possible changes in the parameters. Such computer models utilize friction parameters in combination with material characteristics of the tool and Hank to assess the process before actual testing. It has been found that such models and assessment possible with such models can be significantly improved by use of a friction parameter representative of the mixed film stage of the lubricant. In a preferred embodiment an approximate average of the mixed film range is used to determine a coefficient of friction used in a computer aided design model that includes a finite element analysis procedure. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160052210 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL 3D SCANNING AND PRINTING APPARATUS - A multifunctional 3D scanning/printing apparatus is disclosed in the present invention, wherein the multifunctional apparatus comprises both 3D scanning and printing functions, by sharing a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector or using a beam splitter (for example, a transflective mirror or a flipping mirror, etc.) to achieve a configuration for all sorts of 3D scanning and 3D printing equipment with the required elements within the same apparatus, and uses the accuracy-increasing apparatus (for example, a prism, a lenticular lens, other asymmetric lenses, etc.) so that the measurement accuracy from the two image sensors will not be restricted by the limited space. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160052212 | SUPPORT POSTS FOR IMPROVED FLEXURAL STRENGTH IN 3D-PRINTED OBJECTS - Techniques for improving flexural strength in 3D-printed object. The techniques generally include identifying a portion of a 3D model corresponding to the 3D-printed object to which one or more support posts should be added and adding support post descriptors to the 3D model within such a portion. The support post descriptor defines a position and at least one dimension of a support post cavity and a position and at least one dimension of a support post, both having a height corresponding to at least two layers of 3D-printable material. The model, including the support post descriptors are transmitted to a 3D printer to print the 3D model, which includes a support post cavity and a support post having a height of at least two layers. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160059358 | LASER PROCESSING METHOD AND LASER PROCESSING PROGRAM CREATION DEVICE - A laser processing program creation device sets an evaluation region in an adjacent plane to a target plane; calculates the position of the extremity of the product profile in the axial direction within the evaluation region; sets a first line segment passing through the position of the extremity and extending orthogonally to the axis in the target plane; locates a processing area in the range surrounded by the first line segment, a second line segment, and the product profile, the second line segment extending in the axial direction from an end of the first line segment to the product profile; allocates a trajectory for laser beam cutting to form a notch or a hole in the processing area; and allocates a trajectory for laser beam cutting to cut the material along the product profile. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160059493 | ADDITIVE LAYERING METHOD USING IMPROVED BUILD DESCRIPTION - A build description is created for a part intended to be built by additive layering. The build description includes a description of the part broken down into constituent substructures and a build sequence for the substructures. A power schedule calculation method utilizes the build description and an idealized geometry to predict laser power levels on an additive path during laser deposition. The method calculates beam power for any point along the path traveled to form the build. Each point along the path has associated with it an idealized geometry comprising a melt pool, hot zone and bulk portion. The method comprises creating the build description, creating a path description representing the path of the beam source through space during the process, calculating the idealized geometry for the point on the path based upon the geometric description and path description, calculating an energy balance at the melt pool for the point on the path, calculating total energy needed at the point on the path and calculating optimum beam source power. In the calculations, build temperature is based upon a calculation of hot zone temperature derived from the idealized geometry. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160062346 | System and Method for Customized Anatomical Implant Prosthetic Pieces - A system and method for creating customized anatomical implant prosthetic pieces that includes an x-ray computed tomography, a computer aided design component, and a computer aided manufacturing component. The method includes the steps of taking a tomographic image of an individual, generating a three-dimensional virtual anatomical model using the tomographic image, designing a three-dimensional virtual anatomical template using the three-dimensional virtual anatomical model, generating final information using the three-dimensional anatomical template, and generating a customized, patient-specific prosthetic piece from a solid block of material using the final information. The system and method of the present invention is fully performed and the prosthetic piece implanted into the patient within one office visit. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160067926 | Customized Figure Creation System - Disclosed is an online system for creating a figure with a customized 3D model of a head. The head is created using a 3D printer, and the 3D model of the head is generated through an interactive process between a user at a remote computer and a hosted service on a local computer. Using at least one photograph, the hosted service enables the user to customize a generic 3D head form to adequately imitate the photograph provided by the user. Once created, the customized 3D model of the head may be physically instantiated using the 3D printer for attachment to an existing physical figure, or the entire physical figure (including the customized head) may be physically instantiated together. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160067927 | THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTED OBJECTS WITH EMBEDDED IDENTIFICATION (ID) ELEMENTS - A method for operating a three dimensional (3D) printer to limit unauthorized copying and provide authentication of 3D objects printed from authorized models fabricated on 3D printers. The method includes providing a digital file defining a 3D model of an object to the 3D printer. The 3D model includes a model of an identification (ID) element. The method includes processing the digital file to define print layers of the 3D model, and a number of the print layers include layers of the model of the ID element. The method involves operating the 3D printer to print the layers to form a 3D object with an integrally formed ID element. The ID element is embedded within object elements of the 3D object. The integrally formed ID element may be a radio frequency ID (RFID) tag providing identification data when read by an RFD reader scanning the 3D object. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160070255 | ASSOCIATING COMPUTER-EXECUTABLE OBJECTS WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPACES WITHIN AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ENVIRONMENT - Methods and systems allow for creating a variable spatial framework for use in designing and manufacturing an architectural component. The spatial framework can define a three-dimensional space having a plurality of boundaries. The system can receive an input to divide the three-dimensional space into multiple independent cells. Each independent cell can comprise an independently executable software object. A plurality of boundaries of the spatial framework can automatically adjust upon receiving an input defining a manufacturing constraint. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160070256 | AUTOMATIC MATERIAL CUTTING SYSTEM - An automatic component fabrication system, for use in fabricating a component, includes a control system having a memory that includes a computerized model of the component to be fabricated. A first monitoring system including a first illumination device and at least one camera is communicatively coupled to the control system and is configured to determine a position of the material at a first location. A cutting system is communicatively coupled to the control system and is configured to cut the component from a sheet of material based on the determined position and the computerized model. The automatic component fabrication system also includes a second monitoring system including a second illumination device and at least one camera. The second monitoring system is communicatively coupled to the control system and is configured to compare the fabricated component to the computerized model. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160070822 | Method, Apparatus and Computer Program Code for Design and Visualization of a Physical Object - The invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a computer program code for design and visualization of a physical object. The method, the computer program code and the apparatus present a consumer friendly approach for modelling a physical object that can be manufactured without requiring skills to use and knowledge of CAD tools and designer programs or understanding principles of 3D modelling and picture data rendering, for example, that would be beyond knowledge and skills of an average consumer or reachable for the average consumer. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160074969 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HOLES - A method of producing holes in a component, in particular of turbomachines, wherein each hole extends from a first, outer surface to a second, inner surface of the component and wherein the method has, for example, the following steps: (i) producing a 3D model of the actual geometry of the component, at least for the region of the holes; (ii) adapting each hole on the basis of the actual geometry of the component; and (iii) generating a production program for each individual hole. In this way, the process quality and with it the quality of the holes increases, because the offset of holes caused by component tolerances is avoided and the drilling funnels are formed according to specification. Furthermore, drilling defects on account of the offset of holes and/or cores can be avoided. Overlapping holes caused by component tolerances are likewise avoided. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160075087 | FRACTURING A SHELL OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT - An apparatus is provided for fracturing a shell of a three-dimensional object. The apparatus may be caused to receive a shell of a three-dimensional object composed of a plurality of facets including first facets and distinct second facets, and form layer data defining a plurality of layers of the shell for use in forming the three-dimensional object on a layer-by-layer basis. At least some of the plurality of layers may include respective first fragments, and at least some of the plurality of layers may include respective second fragments. The first fragments may be produced by first facets and exclusive of second facets, and the second fragments may be produced by second facets and exclusive of first facets. And at least one layer of the plurality of layers may include both a first fragment of the respective first fragments, and a second fragment of the respective second fragments. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160075088 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT DIVISION OUTPUT APPARATUS AND ITS APPLICATION - A division position search unit searches for a division position on an edge present on a path from a second end point, which is one of plural end points of a tree structure of a three-dimensional object other than a first end point, toward the first end point, and at the division position, the size of a downstream tree structure spreading from the division position toward a direction opposite to the first end point changing from a size within an output range of a three-dimensional object creation apparatus to a size exceeding the output range. Then, a division unit divides, at the division position, the three-dimensional object into a division object the size of which is within the output range and a remaining object. An output unit outputs the division object to the three-dimensional object creation apparatus. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160077504 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT DIVISION OUTPUT APPARATUS AND ITS APPLICATION - An extraction unit extracts, from volume data, a three-dimensional object having a tree-structure including plural end-points, plural branch-points, at least one edge each connecting an end-point and a branch-point, and at least one edge each connecting two branch-points. A division position search unit searches for a division candidate position that maximizes, with respect to an output range of a three-dimensional object creation apparatus, the size of at least one of division objects obtainable by dividing the three-dimensional object at the division candidate position on one of the edges of the tree-structure. A division unit divides, at a position on the one of the edges on which the division candidate position is present, the three-dimensional object into division objects the size of at least one of which is within the output range. An output unit outputs the at least one of the division objects to the three-dimensional object creation apparatus. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160077521 | PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF OVERLAY ERROR CORRECTION - Several embodiments of photolithography systems and associated methods of overlay error correction are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for correcting overlay errors in a photolithography system includes measuring a plurality of first overlay errors that individually correspond to a microelectronic substrate in a first batch of microelectronic substrates. The method also includes determining a relationship between the first overlay errors and a first sequence of the microelectronic substrates in the first batch. The method further includes correcting a second overlay error of individual microelectronic substrates in a second batch based on a second sequence of the microelectronic substrates in the second batch and the determined relationship. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160082547 | COMPONENT OR COUPON FOR BEING USED UNDER HIGH THERMAL AND STRESS LOAD AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH COMPONENT OR COUPON - A component or coupon for use in a thermal machine under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions comprises an alloy material having a controllable grain size (d). A grain size distribution (d(X,Y,Z)) of the component or coupon corresponds to at least one of an expected temperature distribution (T(X,Y,Z)), an expected stress distribution (σ(X,Y,Z)) and an expected strain distribution (ε(X,Y,Z)), which vary with geometrical coordinates (X,Y,Z) of the component or coupon, such that a lifetime of the component or coupon is improved with respect to a similar component or coupon having a substantially uniform grain size. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160082660 | Method for the production of customer-specific components - Method of designing and producing a customer-specific component for clamping and/or gripping an object, in particular within the scope of an Internet-based access portal, having the following steps: providing CAD data of the object to be gripped and/or clamped by the user; generation of CAD data of the customer-specific component from the CAD data of a CAD blank of the customer-specific component and the CAD data of the object to be clamped and/or gripped such that the CAD data of the customer-specific component have, at least in sections, a negative surface of the object to be clamped and/or gripped; production of the customer-specific component using the CAD data of the customer-specific component by means of a generative production method. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160082661 | PIN AND VOID SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONNECTING 3D-PRINTABLE OBJECTS - Embodiments include an apparatus, generated using a 3D printer, the apparatus including an object, the object being fabricated from a 3D printer, the object including a first part of the object, the first part of the object defining a first void and a second part of the object, the second part of the object defining a second void. The apparatus can include a pin, the pin having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the pin engages the first void of the object and the second end of the pin engages the second end of the pin such that the first part is coupled with the second part to form the object. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160082664 | SEAMLESS SCANNING AND PRODUCTION DEVICES AND METHODS - A system comprising a manufacturing device to evaluate an object to determine whether to at least one of repair and replicate the object wherein to repair further comprises at least one of a subtractive process and an additive manufacturing process applied to the object and to replicate further comprises an additive manufacturing process applied to create a second object. Another system and a method are also disclosed. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160082665 | DIGITAL CATALOG FOR MANUFACTURING - A manufacturing system including catalog database for retaining a plurality of three-dimensional content for use to at least one of create a produced object and repair an existing object with at least one additive manufacturing process, one or more user interfaces to access the catalog database at least one of simultaneously and at different times, a communication infrastructure to provide for real-time communication between the catalog database and the one or more user interfaces, and a manufacturing system comprising at least one user interface to apply the at least one additive manufacturing process to at least one of create the produced object and to repair the existing object. Methods are also disclosed. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160082666 | PROCESSING OBJECT DATA - According to one example, there in provided a system for processing three-dimensional object data representing a three-dimensional object to be generated by an additive manufacturing system. The system comprises a processor to perform a transformation on the three-dimensional object data, and to generate a plurality of slice images from the transformed three dimensional object data. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160082667 | Wellbore Logging Tool Design Customization and Fabrication Using 3D Printing and Physics Modeling - A system and method applies physics modeling and 3D printing to design and fabricate customized wellbore logging tools for operation in specific wells or sets of wells. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160085907 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING ORTHOTIC DEVICE MODELS FROM USER-BASED DATA CAPTURE - A method for generating an orthotic device is disclosed. The method includes receiving data from a client device of a patient, the data comprising patient information and image data representative of a body part of the patient. The method further includes generating, based on the image data, three-dimensional model data representative of the body part, and generating parametric CAD model data of the orthotic device based on the three-dimensional model data and the patient information. The parametric CAD model data is transmitted to a three-dimensional printer, wherein the three-dimensional printer is to generate the orthotic device based on the parametric CAD model data | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160089220 | Process and Device for Manufacturing a Dental Restoration - Methods for manufacturing a dental restoration for a patient and dental ceramics production devices are disclosed. A dental restoration may be designed based on a scan of the patient's mouth, using a CAD software module. The software module may produce conveyor channels for a positive model based on the dimensions of a muffle in relation to the size and shape of the positive model. The conveyor channels may extend at an angle of between 0° and 130° away from an axis of the pressing channel, the axis being located essentially along an isotherm inside the muffle. A docking site may be selected based on a position with the greatest wall thickness of the positive model. The present disclosure allows the creation of a high-quality dental restoration in a very efficient fashion, in particular when lithium disilicate is used as the dental ceramics material. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093100 | Apparatus and Method for Generating Printing Data for Patient-Specific Applicator, and System for Manufacturing Patient-Specific Applicator - A system for manufacturing a patient-specific applicator reconstructs a three-dimensional (3D) image by using a medical image of a patient, models an applicator structure for irradiating radiation onto a tumor tissue, based on a 3D image, generates printing data for 3D printing for manufacturing the patient-specific applicator based on the modeled applicator structure, and manufactures the patient-specific applicator based on the generated printing data. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160096333 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FABRICATING A PRODUCT USING A DIGITAL FABRICATION UNIT - A method for producing a product using a digital fabrication unit, in which a service for producing the product is started via a communication network via a communication device connected to the communication network, and the product is manufactured using the digital fabrication unit based on data describing production of the product made available to the fabrication unit. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160098033 | SEMANTIC MANUFACTURING - A dataset including boundary representations of shapes associated with an item being designed for manufacture is accessed by a semantic processing module. A semantic graph of each of the boundary representations of shapes is generated and a numerical processing module computes geometric attributes of each of the shapes. The semantic graph of a shape is updated based on any geometric attributes computed for the shape. The semantic graphs are then compared to a repository of semantic graphs of manufacturing features to identify instances of manufacturing features. Geometric attributes associated with each instance of a manufacturing feature are then computed. For each instance, the associated geometric attributes are compared against a repository of semantic manufacturing rules to determine whether the instance is in compliance with the rules. A user designing the item is alerted to the presence of any instances of manufacturing features that are not in compliance with the rules. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160101570 | MULTI-MATERIAL THREE DIMENSIONAL MODELS - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, facilitate creation and use of multi-material three dimensional models. In one aspect, a system includes one or more computer storage media having instructions stored thereon; and one or more data processing apparatus configured to execute the instructions to perform operations including (i) receiving input specifying different material properties of an object to be manufactured, (ii) generating from the input a three dimensional (3D) model of the object using overlapping volume representations of the different material properties of the object, wherein the overlapping volume representations employ different data formats and different resolutions, and (iii) storing the 3D model of the object for use in manufacturing the object. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160103934 | METHOD FOR ARRANGING JOINTS TO 3D MODEL, ARRANGING APPARATUS FOR THE METHOD, AND APPLICATION PROGRAM FOR USING THE SAME - A method for arranging joints to a 3D model is present. The method first obtains a 3D file, and executes a slice process to a 3D model recorded in the 3D file for obtaining a plurality of cross sections. During the slice process, the method determines if differences between each two cross-section areas of two adjoined cross sections is larger than a threshold. If the difference between the two cross-section areas of two adjoined cross sections is larger than the threshold, the method obtains a corresponding joint data from a database, and arranges the joint data into a position between the two adjoined cross sections. The method finally outputs the arranged 3D model to a 3D printer. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160107388 | CONVERSION OF STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MODEL INTO LOGICAL SUBCOMPONENTS - Techniques are disclosed for converting a stereolithographic model into an STL data file that defines logically related components and subcomponents of an object. A user can categorize elements of an object to form logically related components and subcomponents of the object. Each element is represented by a triangle. All triangles representing each of these components and subcomponents are then reordered and listed sequentially within the STL. Each list is delimited at the beginning and end by two hidden triangles, one or both of which store unique identification values that are associated with the respective individual components. Additionally, a reference table can be added to the STL. The reference table includes instructions, operations or other information that is specifically associated with each component and subcomponent using the unique identification values. These instructions and operations enable users to have better control over 3D print quality than is possible using existing techniques. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160107391 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CUSTOM-SIZING BESPOKE SHOES - The present invention relates to a system and method for creating custom-made shoes based on a 3D model of a person's foot. Specifically a 3D scanner is used to create a 3D computer model of a person's foot which is stored in a digital file. The 3D computer foot model is then sent to another location. A 3D printer at the other location uses the digital file to print a 3D model of the person's foot. The 3D model is then used make a bespoke shoe specifically fitted to the 3D foot model, or to create one or more custom lasts for making a bespoke shoe. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160107392 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3-D) DIGITAL FINISHING ARCHITECTURE - Systems and methods include/use, among other components, a three-dimensional (3-D) printer creating 3-D items based on 3-D printing information, and a finishing device. The finishing device performs finishing operations on the 3-D item based on finishing information. Also, such systems and methods include a communications device, and the communications device automatically provides the 3-D printing information to the 3-D printer, provides the finishing information to the finishing device, and provides two-way status information updates between the 3-D printer and the finishing device. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160107393 | OPTIMIZATION OF A PRODUCTION PROCESS | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160109875 | CUSTOM PROPERTIES IN AN APPLICATION ENVIRONMENT - The disclosed subject matter comprises a design management component that facilitates managing and storing information, including respective customized information of respective entities and/or relating to objects, projects, controllers, or industrial automation systems within a project file or controller. The design management component facilitates enabling custom data, including custom metadata, to be injected by object into a project file or in a controller associated with the project file. The design management component operates with a data management component that can allow respective entities to view, edit, or delete their respective data on objects associated with a project file or controller in accordance with their respective rules. The design management component facilitates desired library management, version management, virtualization of a system for emulation and testing, data exchange between application, and application development and management in relation to controllers, devices, or components, in connection with control of industrial automation systems. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160109876 | VIRTUAL COMPONENT ALIGNMENT - This invention concerns improvements in the inspection, assessment and re-working of manufactured components such as nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) and blades, in particular by improving the comparison of the component with nominal data. Dimensional data of a physical component is obtained and used to create a virtual digitised model of the component which is aligned with a nominal CAD model of the component in a virtual space. The correspondence is assessed and used to adjust weightings of different regions of the digitised model to improve the alignment. This process is repeated within the digital space until either conformance is reached or it is determined that this is not possible. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160114543 | METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING A LENS, LENS MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, AND LENSES - According to various embodiments, a method for manufacturing a lens may be provided. The method may include: determining a NURBS (non-uniform rational basis spline) representation of a provisional lens geometry; simulating ray trajectories in a lens with the provisional lens geometry based on the NURBS representation; determining a final lens geometry based on the simulated ray trajectories; and producing a lens with the final lens geometry. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116267 | CHECKING GAUGE HAVING INTEGRATED FEATURES AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A gauge for checking the tolerance of a manufactured tube having at least one bend therein is digitally manufactured layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing machine. Multiple features of the gauge are integrated with each other within a common reference coordinate system to precisely locate the features relative to each other. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116911 | ASSEMBLY ORDER GENERATION DEVICE AND ASSEMBLY ORDER GENERATION METHOD - An assembly order generation device includes a radial/axial direction component detector which detects a component existing in a radial direction of a featured shape and a component existing in an axial direction of the component in a | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160121549 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A three-dimensional printing control apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus comprising: a control command generator configured to: generate a control command for outputting a three-dimensional object having a first shape, and generate, in response to a request for changing a shape of the three-dimensional object from the first shape to a second shape is received while performing a output work for the three-dimensional object, an additional control command for outputting a changed three-dimensional object having the second shape; and a control command transmitter configured to, in response to determining that it is possible to output the changed three-dimensional object through the output work, substitute the additional control command for the control command with respect to a non-printed portion of the three-dimensional object. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160121557 | METHOD FOR DEFINING FIBER TRAJECTORIES FROM CURVES OR CONSTRAINT GRID - A method for defining trajectories of fibers on a layup surface for producing at least one ply having a given theoretical orientation, by laying up fibers, including the steps of providing the definition of the constraint curves and/or the definition of at least one constraint grid with association of at least one constraint vector to each node of the constraint grid, the direction of a fiber at an analysis point of the la up surface, being obtained by calculation of the normalized weights of the constraint vectors of the constraint curves and/or by calculation by of the normalized weights of the constraint vectors of the constraint grid, and by weighting by the normalized weights of the constraint vectors. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160122043 | 3-D Printed Packaging - Items may be packaged for shipping or storage using additive manufacturing techniques, also known as three dimensional (3-D) printing. Packages made by such processes may be referred to as 3-D printed packages and may include packing material printed at least partially around the item(s) and/or an outer cover printed about at least a portion of an exterior of the packing material and/or the item(s). A packaging system may include a 3-D printer and a computing device communicatively coupled to the 3-D printer. The computing device may obtain a packaging model describing a package for one or more items. A print module of the computing device may include instructions to print the package at least partially about the item(s) according to the packaging model. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160124424 | 3D VISUALIZATIONS OF IN-PROCESS PRODUCTS BASED ON MACHINE TOOL INPUT - Systems and methods are provided for creating three dimensional (3D) visualizations of in-process products. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a controller and an interface. The controller is able to generate a 3D scene depicting ongoing assembly of a product by a machine tool. The scene includes a 3D model of the product and a 3D model of the machine tool, and the 3D models are placed within the scene based on a location of the product and a location of the machine tool. The interface is able to receive an update from the machine tool indicating a 3D placement of a part that has been attached by the machine tool to the product. The controller is also able to acquire a 3D model of the part, to insert the 3D model of the part within the scene based on the 3D placement, and to provide the scene for display to a user. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160124425 | System and Method For Locating Clamping Points For A Part To Be Manufactured Through Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Operations With The Aid Of A Digital Computer - Automated fixture layout is approached in two distinct stages. First, the spatial locations of clamping points on the work piece are determined to ensure immobility of the fixtured part under any infinitesimal perturbation. Second, spatial locations are matched against a user-specified library of reconfigurable clamps to synthesize a valid fixture layout or configuration that includes clamps that are accessible and collision free. The spatial locations matching during the second stage can be the same spatial locations chosen in the first stage to ensure immobility, or a different set of spatial locations. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160124426 | System and method for detecting shaping - This disclosure relates to systems and methods for automatically detecting three-dimensional shaping in a three-dimensional model of a sheet-metal part. Therein, data of a three-dimensional model of the sheet-metal part, which extends in a plane spanned by a first direction and a second direction, is detected, wherein the sheet-metal part comprises a bulge in a third direction which is different from the first and the second directions. Then, a horizontal cut is made through the bulge, as well as a vertical cut perpendicular to the plane spanned by the directions, so that closed cross-sectional contours of the bulge are formed. After a transformation, e.g., a Fourier transformation, of the cross-sectional contours, a tool that produces the bulge can be allocated to the Fourier coefficients. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160124427 | Analysis Device, Analysis Method, and Program - An analysis device refers to information included in a recorded product drawing, builds apart of or the entire wire harness by drawing corresponding graphic data of each member constituting the wire harness, adds non-corresponding graphic data to the built wire harness, and displays the product drawing. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160129635 | MATCHING THE SCALE OF INDEPENDENT OBJECTS OR INTELLIGENTLY SCALING OBJECTS WHEN 3D PRINTING - A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, where the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes identifying a first data file that includes first dimensions that may be used by a three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of a first object, identifying a second data file that includes second dimensions that may be used by a three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of a second object, determining a proportionality factor between the first dimensions and the second dimensions, multiplying the dimensions in the second data file by the proportionality factor, and causing the three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of the second object using the scaled dimensions. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160129637 | SEMANTIC MEDICAL IMAGE TO 3D PRINT OF ANATOMIC STRUCTURE - The process of creating a 3D printer ready model of patient specific anatomy is automated. Instead of manual manipulation of the 3D mesh from imaging to create the 3D printer ready model, an automated manipulation is provided. The segmentation may be automated as well. In one approach, a transform between a predetermined mesh of anatomy and patient specific 3D mesh is calculated. The predetermined mesh has a corresponding 3D printer ready model. By applying the transform to the 3D printer ready model, the 3D printer ready model is altered to become specific to the patient. In addition, target manipulation that alters semantic parts of the anatomical structure may be included in 3D printing. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160129638 | Method for Repairing with 3D Printing - Methods and apparatuses for repairing a broken object. A processor retrieves information describing the size and shape of a broken object. A processor retrieves information describing the size and shape of an intact object, wherein the intact object includes a part missing from the broken object. A processor generates a first three-dimensional model of the broken object based, at least in part, on the information describing the size and shape of the broken object. A processor generates a second three-dimensional model of the intact object based, at least in part, on the information describing the size and shape of the intact object. A processor generates a third three-dimensional model based, at least in part, on a difference between the first and second three-dimensional model. A processor sends one or more instructions to a three-dimensional printer to create an object based, at least in part, on the third three-dimensional model. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160129642 | MATCHING THE SCALE OF INDEPENDENT OBJECTS OR INTELLIGENTLY SCALING OBJECTS WHEN 3D PRINTING - A method includes identifying a first data file that includes first dimensions that may be used by a three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of a first object, identifying a second data file that includes second dimensions that may be used by a three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of a second object, determining a proportionality factor between the first dimensions and the second dimensions, multiplying the dimensions in the second data file by the proportionality factor, and causing the three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of the second object using the scaled dimensions. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133049 | GENERATIVE MODELING FRAMEWORK FOR DEFERRED GEOMETRY GENERATION - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for a generative modeling framework for deferred geometry generation include, in one aspect, a method including: obtaining input to define a boundary of a 3D envelope for a 3D model of an object, wherein the 3D model uses one or more boundary representations to define the object in the 3D model; identifying a geometry type for the 3D envelope, wherein the geometry type has an associated 3D geometry used to create geometry details for the 3D envelope within the 3D model; manipulating the 3D model in response to input that changes at least one aspect of the 3D envelope; and rendering the 3D model on a display screen, including rendering a simplified representation of the 3D geometry within the changed 3D envelope. In addition, the method can include later generation of surface elements defining the geometry details. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160136898 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROL OF THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTING - Disclosed are an apparatus and method for control of 3D printing. The apparatus includes a color data generation unit configured to generate entity-specific color data representing a color of each entity forming a 3D object based on modeling information about the 3D object, a color quantization unit configured to convert the entity-specific color data to represent one of a plurality of output-able colors as the color of each entity, and an output file generation unit configured to generate an output file to be used for output of the 3D object from the modeling information and the converted entity-specific color data. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160136899 | MANUFACTURE OF NON-RECTILINEAR FEATURES - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for symbolic methods using algebraic geometry (e.g., based on a Gröbner basis of tangent space polynomials of parametric curves). For example, the design, optimization and verification of silicon photonic wave guides using parametric polynomials and/or Gröbner basis functions can be used to perform envelope generation, rectification, manufacturability checking, singularity detection, reticle and etch processing model generation, tapering loss minimization, and bend loss minimization. In one example, a method of analyzing a layout to be manufactured using a photolithographic process includes producing an envelope of a curve representing a layout object based at least in part on a Gröbner basis and performing one or more analysis operations for the envelope to perform verification and manufacturability checks. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160144572 | METHODS FOR GENERATING 3D PRINTED SUBSTRATES FOR ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLED IN A MODULAR FASHION - Systems, media, and methods for modeling electronic products for 3D printing including providing a library of modules and module interfaces; receiving at least one ruleset; receiving preliminary substrate structure data, the preliminary substrate structure data comprising shape and volume data defining a substrate; providing an interface allowing the user to place one or more modules on the substrate; providing an interface allowing the user to place one or more module interfaces, the module interfaces coupling one or more modules together through the substrate; warning the user where placement of a module or module interface violates the at least one ruleset; generating routing of electrically conductive interconnects between placed module interfaces; and generating a finalized substrate structure model by combining the preliminary substrate structure data with module placement data and interconnect routing data. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160147218 | COMPUTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OUTPUTTING PROGRAMS OF A WORKPIECE - In a method for outputting programs of a workpiece placed on a scanner device using a computing device, three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data of the workpiece is received from the scanner device. The received 3D point cloud data is meshed into a plurality of triangles, and a 3D model of the workpiece is obtained. A measurement point on the 3D model selected, and coordinates of the measurement point on the 3D model is calculated. A measurement element is created according to the calculated coordinates. A preset virtual probe is imported to be displayed on a display screen, and the virtual probe is rotated according to a normal vector of the created measurement element. The method controls the virtual probe to move towards the created measurement element, and outputs programs of the created measurement element. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160151976 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURE OF A SURGICAL MODEL FOR AN ANATOMICAL FEATURE | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160151977 | Additive Manufacturing System and Method of Manufacture | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160151980 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING OBJECT | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160151981 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL SOLID OBJECT | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160159011 | Vision System for Selective Tridimensional Repair Using Additive Manufacturing - A computer-implemented method for selective tridimensional repair of a worn surface using at least a scanning device and an additive manufacturing device is provided. The computer-implemented method may include generating a worn surface model of the worn surface based on point cloud data obtained from the scanning device, superimposing the worn surface model onto a nominal surface model, generating trace data corresponding to dimensional variations between the worn surface model and the nominal surface model, and generating a rebuild volume based on the trace data. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160159012 | 3D PRINTING RESOURCE ALLOCATION - In accordance with at least one embodiment, 3D printing resource allocation may include receiving 3D modeling data from a device; slicing the 3D modeling data along a plurality of slicing directions; analyzing the sliced 3D modeling data, with the analyzing pertaining to, at least, a calculated cost and estimated quality of for the slicing of the 3D modeling data along each of the respective slicing directions; generating at least one recommendation for 3D printing based on, at least, the analysis of the sliced 3D modeling data; and transmitting the at least one 3D printing recommendation. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160167284 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MAKING DIGITAL IMAGE TRANSFER THERMOFORMED OBJECTS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167302 | ADAPTATION METHOD AND PRODUCTION METHOD FOR COMPONENTS PRODUCED BY SLM | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167305 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVING CONTENT DURING A 3D PRINTING PROCESS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167307 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR 3D DIGITAL PRINTING | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167308 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROTOTPYE REFINEMENT AND MANUFACTURE IN 3D PRINTING | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167310 | RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR DIVIDED 3D PRINTING JOBS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167311 | DESIGN TOOL FOR A HYBRID ELECTRO-MECHANICAL 3D PRINTER | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171127 | SKIN-BASED APPROACH TO VIRTUAL MODELING | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160175068 | DIRECT FRACTIONAL STEP METHOD FOR GENERATING TOOTH ARRANGEMENT | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160176114 | SYSTEM FOR ONLINE MONITORING POWDER-BASED 3D PRINTING PROCESSES AND METHOD THEREOF | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160176116 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTHORING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160176117 | VARIABLE SLICING FOR 3D MODELING | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160179064 | VISUALIZATION OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS DATA | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160179084 | COMMON PARAMETER INTERFACE GENERATION PROGRAM AND PARAMETER READING PROGRAM | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160185044 | DETECTION AND USE OF PRINTER CONFIGURATION INFORMATION - The hardware and software properties of a three-dimensional printer can be queried and applied to select suitable directly printable models for the printer, or to identify situations where a new machine-ready model must be generated. The properties may be any properties relevant to fabrication including, e.g., physical properties of the printer, printer firmware, user settings, hardware configurations, and so forth. A printer may respond to configuration queries with a dictionary of capabilities or properties, and this dictionary may be used to select suitable models, or determine when a new model must be created. Similarly, when a printable model is sent to the printer, metadata for the printable model may be compared to printer properties in the dictionary to ensure that the model can be fabricated by the printer. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160185049 | PRINT DATA DIVIDING APPARATUS, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A print data dividing apparatus has: a dividing unit for dividing 3D image data having image/distance information every pixel into a plurality of areas; a determining unit for determining a kind of joining process to a joint surface of a target area among the plural areas based on a position of the target area and a thickness of the joint surface or a length of side of the joint surface; and a generating unit for generating 3D shape data for division printing about the target area in which a joint portion corresponding to the determined joining process kind has been provided for the joint surface. There is such an advantage that printed matters regarding the areas formed by a printing device can be easily positioned when mutually joining them and that each printed matter is difficult to be deviated. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160200048 | Networks for Healing Soft Tissues | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160200049 | Method and System for Forming Masks | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160200050 | PART PROCESSING | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160202689 | Systems and Methods For Coordinate Transformation Using Non-Destructive Imaging | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160202691 | METHOD FOR COMPENSATING ERRORS OCCURRING IN A PRODUCTION PROCESS | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160250810 | Surface Angle Model Evaluation Process for Additive Manufacturing | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160375639 | METHOD FOR GENERATING A FRAMEWORK FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTED PARTS - A method of operating a three-dimensional object printer has been developed. The method receives image data corresponding to at least one three-dimensional object. The method generates image data corresponding to at least one member that extends from the at least one three-dimensional object corresponding to the received image data. The method operates an ejector head of the three-dimensional object printer with a controller referencing the received image data and the generated image data to eject drops of a build material onto a platen to form the at least one three-dimensional object and the at least one member extending from the at least one three-dimensional object. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170235283 | GEAR TOOTH PROFILE SIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND MACHINING TOOL EDGE SURFACE SIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHOD | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180022029 | 3D OBJECT DATA | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180022032 | METHODS FOR FIBER REINFORCED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180024517 | NESTING PROCEDURES AND MANAGEMENT OF 3D PRINTING | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190146456 | STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR HIGH VOLUME PRODUCTION OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES USING INTERFACE NODES | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190146458 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING A SURGEON AND PRODUCING PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL DEVICES | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190146465 | PRODUCT DESIGN AND PROCESS DESIGN DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190148022 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC CUTTING BLOCK AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220134673 | ADJUSTMENTS TO FORMING DATA FOR FORMING A BUILD LAYER - According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory on which are stored machine-readable instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine physical characteristics of a build layer of build material particles. The instructions may also cause the processor to determine an adjustment to forming data based on the determined physical characteristics, the forming data to be used informing a subsequent build layer. The instructions may further cause the processor to apply the determined adjustment to the forming data for use in forming the subsequent build layer, in which portions of a three-dimensional (3D) object are to be formed in the build layer and the subsequent build layer. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220137591 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE USING MULTI-AXIS MACHINE TOOLS - A design and manufacturing system includes a multi-axis machine tool including a cutting head able to support a plurality of available tools and a part support, the cutting head and part support fully controllable in at least two axes, a design system operable using a computer to generate a 3-D model of a part to be manufactured, and a machine learning model operable using the computer to analyze the part to be manufactured to identify features and develop a manufacturing plan at least partially based on the multi-axis machine tool and the plurality of available tools, the manufacturing plan including a type of tool used for each feature, a feed-rate for each type of tool for each feature, and a speed of the tool for each type of tool for each feature. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220137592 | ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES INCLUDING AT LEAST PARTIALLY UN-ERUPTED TEETH AND METHOD OF FORMING THEM - The example systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media described herein help with design of highly accurate models of un-erupted or partially erupted teeth and help fabricate of aligners for un-erupted or partially erupted teeth. Automated agents that use machine learning models to parametrically represent three-dimensional (3d) virtual representations of teeth as 3D descriptors in a 3D descriptor space are provided herein. In some implementations, the automated agents described herein provide instructions to fabricate aligners for at least partially un-erupted teeth using representative 3D descriptor(s) of a tooth type. | 05-05-2022 |
